The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.
- John Dewey, 1859-1952, American philosopher, educator
Image Source: International Pragmatism Society
Brief introduction to John Dewey, from John Dewey: A Beginner's Guide by David L. Hildebrand (Oneworld Press, 2008)
Philosophy is criticism; criticism of the influential beliefs that underlie culture; a criticism which traces the beliefs to their generating conditions as far as may be, which tracks them to their results, which considers the mutual compatibility of the elements of the total structure of beliefs. Such an examination terminates, whether so intended or not, in a projection of them into a new perspective which leads to new surveys of possibilities.— John Dewey, "Context and Thought” 1931 (LW6:19)
John Dewey, 1859-1952, An essay by Pam Ecker
Dewey's areas of work included philosophy, psychology, education, politics, and social thought. At an event in celebration of his 90th birthday, in 1949, Dewey described his life goal as the quest to obtain "a moderately clear and distinct idea of what the problems are that underlie the difficulties and evils which we experience in fact; that is to say, in practical life." This concern with the practical, socially responsible life is a key element of the philosophical concept of pragmatism, which Dewey explicated in many of his writings. Dewey is also considered to be a preeminent voice in American educational philosophy, with emphasis on what is generally called "progressive education."
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