John Dewey Between Pragmatism and Constructivism [Hardcover]

The question of how far Deweys thought is indebted to Hegel has long been a conundrum for philosophers. This book shows that, far from repudiating Hegel, Deweys entire pragmatic philosophy is premised on a philosophy of spirit inspired by Hegels project. Two essays by Shook and Good defending this radical viewpoint are joined by the definitive text of Deweys 1897 Lecture at the University of Chicago
on Hegels Philosophy of Spirit. Previously cited by scholars only from the archival manuscript, this edited Lecture is now available to fully expose the basic concern shared by Hegel and Dewey for the full and free development of the individual in the social context. Deweys and Hegels philosophies are at the center of modern philosophys hopes for advancing human freedom.

Represents an important and original contribution to scholarly research in American philosophy and in Dewey studies. It also provides further evidence of the important role that Hegelian Idealism plays in American heritages of philosophy, and contributes to our understanding of the distinctive use made of Hegel in Dewey's thought&An outstanding and useful work.Deweys reception of Hegel is the decisive historical event inaugurating the American Pragmatist assimilation of German Idealism, which has become one of the most exciting themes in contemporary American philosophy. With the publication and critical annotation of this archival but important source in which Dewey systematically explores one of Hegels greatest works, American scholars will now have a remarkable new resource in carrying out this momentous adventure in philosophical synthesis.

1.Shook and Good are the pioneers of a new and suggestive interpretation of Hegels deep and enduring influence on Dewey. They show how Deweys preference for a humanistic/historicist reading of Hegel over the usual metaphysical/theological reading ensconced by the British neo-Hegelians is actually quite compatible with contemporary Hegel sl£5