Dewey's Social Philosophy ― Democracy As Education

Dewey advanced a political vision for democracy as a form of deliberative polyarchy grounded in community ethics. This vision depicts citizens engaged in communal exercises in experimental civic education. This ethical project, to successfully pervade all of democratic society must be revolutionarily comprehensive. Maintaining the civil peace, a productive economy, a participatory citizenry, an effective penal system, and a religiously harmonious society are top democratic priorities. The economy needs employees and entrepreneurs who are more broadly educated, not merely well-trained; education is so crucial for empowerment that it must be a civic guarantee; education should be prioritized in law and criminal justice; and education is crucial for ethical communities embracing religious pluralism. Dewey's core views on humanity's capacities for learning, socializing, problem-solving, self-ruling, and flourishing forge a whole far greater than its parts. His progressive revolution is yet to be realized, but his philosophy remains just as insightful and relevant as ever.

John R. Shook, PhD, was a professor of philosophy at Oklahoma State University, USA from 2000 to 2006. He then joined the faculty of the Science and the Public online EdM program at the University at Buffalo, USA where he also is a research associate in philosophy. He is Lecturer in Philosophy at Bowie State University, USA. His publications focus on John Dewey, American intellectual history, pragmatism, social and political theory, and ethics.