Dewey promotes a philosophy of education that negates these dualisms and focuses on freedom of the mind through directed social activity. The Democratic Ideal that Dewey sketches out in Democracy and Education involves indeed two elements: greater reliance upon the recognition of mutual interests as a factor in social control and a deep change in social habits, a continuous readjustment through meeting the new situations produced by varied intercourse (1916a, MW 9:92). These divisions, he finds, derive from the practice of dichotomizing relationships between the mind and body, the mind and nature, and the individual and society. Interest and Effort in Education John Deweys Philosophy of Education John. Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education From inside the book What people are saying - Write a review Contents Other editions. Growth, experience, and activity are the factors Dewey employs to characterize the connection between learning and the variety of social, communicative activity that fosters a thriving democratic community.Īs a conclusion, the author addresses the social barriers that inhibit democratic education. School and Society and The Child and the Curriculum Democracy and Education. He stresses democracy's associational and communal aspects, maintaining that conscious, directed education is necessary to establish these conditions and to cultivate democratic character in students.

Democracy and Education, originally published in 1916, is his landmark work in the field and an ongoing source of influence and inspiration.ĭewey blends his philosophical pragmatism and his progressive pedagogical ideas to define the social role of education and its significance as preparation for citizenship in a progressive democratic society. John Dewey, (born October 20, 1859, Burlington, Vermont, U.S.

Psychology, epistemology, ethics, and politics are among the subjects on which John Dewey focused his authorial talents - but the crux of his works lies in his philosophy of education. Since Dewey viewed democracy as the archetype, all social (as opposed to private) institutions should be democratically oriented to the extent possible.

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