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A Star is Born
In Burlington, Vermont, John Dewey was born into a humble family of six, 40 short weeks after his older brother passed away in a tragic accident. He is often referred to as one of the Fathers of Functional Philosophy/Progressive Education due to his tremendous contributions in societal and educational reform. He had a strong conviction for the use of democracy in all facets of life and heavily advocated for its use in the education, politics, and effective communication through journalism. -
Caps Off To Dewey - Part 1
Graduating high school at the mere age of 15, Dewey began his pursuit of higher education at the University of Vermont. John Dewey often complained of inadequacy of the primary and secondary educational systems. He would cite the lack of preparation for college given by primary and secondary schooling as his main source of disdain. This, however, sparked his passion for educational reform in hopes of enhancing the system for his successors. -
Finding His Passion
During his junior year at the University of Vermont he took a class taught by Professor Perkins, a professor of physiology, and was introduced to T.X. Huxley’s Elements of Physiology. An avid reader, this book struck him differently he would later tell George Dykhuizen (author of The Life and Mind of John Dewey) - “I imagine that was the beginning of my interest in philosophy --- the organic character of living creatures impressed me deeply.” -
Caps Off To Dewey - Part 2
John Dewey Graduated from the University of Vermont and shortly after pursued his passion of educational reform, becoming a high school teacher in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Two years of this and Dewey moved on to teach at an elementary school that he would eventually be let go from. He found that he was not the right fit for a primary or secondary educator, and took a teaching job back in Vermont. -
Beginning of Teaching Career
Dewey begins furthering his studies in philosophy and psychology at John Hopkins University. Under the guidance of George Sylvester Morris and G. Stanley Hall, two of the most influential professors that helped shape Dewey’s perspective, Dewey began to obtain his doctorate. -
Caps Off To Dewey - Part 3
Upon completion of his doctorate, Dewey began working at the University of Michigan as an assistant professor, and eventually Professor of Philosophy. During this time, he had a paper published titled The New Psychology. This paper paved the way for Dewey’s later works, stating that; “Experience is realistic, not abstract. Psychical life is the fullest, deepest, and richest manifestation of this experience…Thus the New Psychology bears the realistic stamp of contact with life. ” -
Essays
Leibniz's New Essays Concerning the Human Understanding -
Furthering his Career
Dewey left the University of Michigan to work for the University of Minnesota, inevitably returning to Michigan. During his time working for the University of Michigan, John Dewey states - "Democracy and the one, ultimate, ethical ideal of humanity are to my mind synonymous.” -
The Start of Something New
Dewey begins his career at the University of Chicago. During this time he began his work in pragmatism, a new ideology, and cultivated his conviction for Rational Empiricism. https://youtu.be/yPlbzfo0SpM -
The "Dewey School"
Dewey opened up the “Dewey School” at the University of Chicago. This school - named the University Elementary School - was the first major step in the Progressive Education Movement. Furthermore, while it was combined with another elementary school at the university, still stands today. Additionally he published "The Reflex Arc Concept in Psychology" during this year. -
Democracy and Education
During 1916 Dewey published Democracy and Education. This dissertaion paved the way for progressive education. -
Experience and Nature
Dewey releases a metaphysical work titled "Experience and Nature" -
Art as Experience
Another metaphysical-esque publication titled "Art as Experience" -
Freedom and Culture
Dewey's book on the inner workings of fascism is published. A thorough politically driven piece of work. -
The End of His Era
After years of poor health, Dewey passed away in his New York home due to pneumonia at the age of 92.
