John Dewey

John Dewey was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer whose ideas have been influential in education and social reform. He is one of the primary figures associated with the philosophy of pragmatism and is considered one of the fathers of functional psychology.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Philosophy and Civilization

    "Philosophy and Civilization" is a collection of essays that explore the relationship between philosophy and the problems of human life. The author argues that philosophy should not be a mere abstract discipline, but should be connected to human concerns and society. He discusses various topics such as the role of philosophy in education, democracy, and ethics, and emphasizes the importance of practical wisdom in addressing societal issues. The book encourages readers to view philosophy as a tool for solving problems and improving civilization.

    The 6174th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Experience And Nature

    This philosophical work delves into the intricate relationship between human experience and the natural world, arguing that nature and experience are not separate entities but deeply interconnected. The author challenges traditional dualisms and emphasizes the continuity of experience, proposing that understanding this continuity is crucial for comprehending the human condition and the environment in which we live. Through a detailed examination of logic, aesthetics, and ethics, the text advocates for a philosophy grounded in the reality of everyday life and the natural processes that shape it, suggesting that a more profound engagement with the natural world can lead to a richer, more meaningful human experience.

    The 8190th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. How We Think

    A Restatement of the Relation of Reflective Thinking to the Educative Process

    The book explores the process of thinking, emphasizing the importance of education in developing critical thinking skills. It delves into the relationship between thought and language, the role of experience in shaping thought, and the necessity of applying reflective thinking to education. The author argues for a more active, student-centered approach in schools, promoting inquiry and problem-solving to better prepare students for the demands of modern society. The work is both a philosophical treatise and a practical guide for educators seeking to implement more effective teaching methodologies.

    The 12067th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Human Nature And Conduct

    An Introduction to Social Psychology

    The book explores the intricate relationship between human nature, habits, and social conduct, emphasizing the role of environment and experience in shaping behavior. It argues that moral principles are not fixed but evolve through interaction with changing circumstances and social contexts. The author advocates for a pragmatic approach to ethics, suggesting that intelligent reflection and experimental inquiry can lead to more adaptive and fulfilling ways of living. By examining the dynamic interplay between individual actions and societal norms, the book provides a nuanced understanding of how human conduct can be guided towards more harmonious and progressive ends.

    The 15662nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. Experience and Education

    The book is a critical exploration of the theories and practices of traditional and progressive education. The author argues that neither approach is adequate in isolation and advocates for an educational philosophy that combines elements of both. He emphasizes the importance of experience in the learning process, suggesting that education should be rooted in experiential learning that adapts to the needs and abilities of individual students. The book challenges educators to think critically about the purpose of education and to develop methods that ensure students are not just passive recipients of knowledge, but active participants in their own learning journey.

    The 15910th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. The School and the Child

    Being Selections from the Educational Essays of John Dewey

    "The School and the Child" is a thought-provoking work that delves into the philosophy of education. The author advocates for a progressive and child-centered approach to education, asserting that learning should be interactive, practical, and relevant to the child's life. The book argues against the traditional, rigid, and teacher-centered methods of education, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students. It also highlights the role of schools in shaping the social, emotional, and moral development of children.

    The 15910th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. Democracy And Education

    An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education

    This seminal work explores the intricate relationship between education and democratic society, emphasizing the role of education in fostering a participatory and informed citizenry. It argues that education should not merely be about the transmission of knowledge, but rather a dynamic process that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and active engagement with the world. The book advocates for an educational system that is adaptable and responsive to the needs of a diverse and ever-evolving society, promoting the idea that true democracy can only be achieved through an educational framework that nurtures individual growth and social responsibility.

  8. 8. Art As Experience

    This seminal work explores the profound connection between art and human experience, arguing that art is not merely an isolated aesthetic endeavor but an integral part of everyday life. It delves into how art influences and is influenced by the cultural, social, and personal contexts in which it exists. The book emphasizes the importance of perception and emotion in experiencing art, suggesting that the true value of art lies in its ability to transform ordinary experiences into meaningful and enriching ones. Through this lens, it challenges readers to reconsider the role of art in society and its potential to foster deeper understanding and connection.

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  9. 9. Filosofian Uudistaminen

    Teesissä esitetään, että filosofia on muutettava yhteiskunnan ja tieteen kehityksen kanssa yhteensopivaksi: on luovuttava abstrakteista, itsenäisistä metafyysisistä järjestelmistä ja korostettava ajattelun luonnetta käytännöllisena, kokeellisena ja ongelmakeskeisenä toimintana. Filosofian tehtäväksi määritellään ihmisten konkreettisten ongelmien ymmärtäminen ja ratkominen, teorian ja käytännön yhteensovittaminen sekä käsitteiden arvioiminen niiden seurauksien perusteella. Samalla työssä painotetaan tiedettä, demokratiaa ja kasvatusta välineinä, joiden kautta filosofinen ajattelu voi tukea yhteiskunnallista uudistumista ja järkevää päätöksentekoa.