John Dewey

by Sidney Hook

Sidney Hook, one of America's leading social philosophers, was a dedicated student and friend of John Dewey, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. In this timeless volume, first published in 1939, Hook discusses the leading philosophical ideas of his mentor to highlight Dewey's central themes, their implications, and the relevance of his vision to the problems of American culture. Included in this intellectual biography are Dewey's thoughts on philosophy and culture; truth; logic and action; body, mind, and behavior; standards, ends, and means; the good society; education; art; human nature; and democracy.

Genres: Philosophy, Education

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 1971

About the author

Sidney Hook was an American pragmatic philosopher known for his contributions to public debates. A student of John Dewey, Hook continued to examine the philosophy of history, of education, politics, and of ethics. He was known for his criticisms of totalitarianism (fascism and Marxism–Leninism). A pragmatic social democrat, Hook sometimes cooperated with conservatives, particularly in opposing communism. After WWII, he argued that members of conspiracies, like the Communist Party USA and other Leninist conspiracies, ethically could be barred from holding offices of public trust.

Reviews

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction by Richard Rorty, the biographical sketch given in the opening chapter, "The Man," and chapter 9 on "The Frontiers of Education," were the best parts of the book, for me. Overall, though, it's fascinating to read this appreciation of Dewey written in 1939, on the brink of the second world war, from the perspective of a radial socialist.

[John]

Read the essays I needed for some papers. Shelved for now.