The Philosophy of John Dewey

by Paul Arthur Schilpp

In this volume the writings of John Dewey are subjected to careful scrutiny by seventeen great thinkers. Some have eulogized, some have reinterpreted--but all have respected the work of that great and germinal mind. For thirty years John Dewey has been the most dynamic, arresting figure in American thought. Whereas the "traditional" philosopher too often concerned himself with matters seemingly remote and formalistic, Dewey was ever aware of the ferment of this developing democracy. The problems of every-day life, the "commonplace" in our culture, the direction of the educative process in the schools, the processes of politics, art, literature, science, religion--on all these John Dewey has left the impress of his thought.

It was inevitable that Dewey's writings should raise questions and doubts, that readers should find points of difference and emphasis. Now for the first time Dewey himself is able to read and answer in one place the analysis and criticism of a group of eminent men. The result of this unique situation is the setting for a new type of intellectual experience--an opportunity to sit in a seminar with Dewey and some of the greatest of his critics.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Education, Biography, Academic, American, Politics

748 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1981

Reviews

[IWB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say, after reading this, it's clear to me why Rorty downplays or ignores the influence and significance of Dewey on his own work--because most of Rorty's ideas are taken directly and without much alteration, from Dewey.
Much of what Dewey says in his work on democracy, authoritarianism, education, academia, and political engagement is so apropos for today--it's uncanny.
With respect to the history of philosophy, philosophical method, and epistemology, at a minimum be sure to read "From Absolutism to Experimentalism"; "Kant and Philosophic Method"; "The Need for Recovery of Philosophy"; "The Experimental Theory of Knowledge"; "Experience and Philosophic Method"; "Existence, Value, and Criticism"; and "Philosophy's Search for the Immutable"

I do believe Dewey is underappreciated among contemporary philosophers, including a good number self-proclaimed pragmatists.

[Manal Al dossari]

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