The public and its problems

Name: The public and its problems
Author: John Dewey

By John Dewey

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Philosophy & Ethics Politics

About This Book

The essays analyze how collective life and the state arise from overlapping associations, distinguish public concerns from private ones, and critique theories that see the state as either the highest ethical whole or mere coercive machinery. It traces how technological change and specialized expertise have dispersed public attention, weakening democratic control, and argues for reconstructing a deliberative public through improved communication, shared intelligence, and educational habits. The argument examines the functions of law, the selection and accountability of officials, tensions between experts and democratic participation, and the idea of a Great Community that relies on informed communication and scientific inquiry to coordinate social aims.

About the Author

John Dewey

John Dewey (1859-1952) was an influential American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer associated with pragmatism and functional psychology. He is best known for his work in education, particularly his book "Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education," which emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and critical thinking in the educational process. Dewey's ideas have significantly shaped modern educational practices and theories, advocating for a more interactive and democratic approach to teaching. In addition to his contributions to education, he wrote extensively on ethics, logic, and social philosophy, making him a key figure in American intellectual history.