Deweys Social Philosophy

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.