The undiscovered Dewey : religion, morality, and the ethos of democracy / Melvin L. Rogers.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rogers, Melvin L., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Dewey, John, 1859-1952.

Dewey, John.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (353 p.)

Place of Publication:

New York, New York ; West Sussex, England : Columbia University Press, 2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The Undiscovered Dewey explores the profound influence of evolution and its corresponding ideas of contingency and uncertainty on John Dewey's philosophy of action, particularly its argument that inquiry proceeds from the uncertainty of human activity. Dewey separated the meaningfulness of inquiry from a larger metaphysical story concerning the certainty of human progress. He then connected this thread to the way in which our reflective capacities aid us in improving our lives. Dewey therefore launched a new understanding of the modern self that encouraged intervention in social and natural environments but which nonetheless demanded courage and humility because of the intimate relationship between action and uncertainty. Melvin L. Rogers explicitly connects Dewey's theory of inquiry to his religious, moral, and political philosophy. He argues that, contrary to common belief, Dewey sought a place for religious commitment within a democratic society sensitive to modern pluralism. Against those who regard Dewey as indifferent to moral conflict, Rogers points to Dewey's appreciation for the incommensurability of our ethical commitments. His deep respect for modern pluralism, argues Rogers, led Dewey to articulate a negotiation between experts and the public so that power did not lapse into domination. Exhibiting an abiding faith in the reflective and contestable character of inquiry, Dewey strongly engaged with the complexity of our religious, moral, and political lives.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Introduction

Part I. From Certainty to Contingency

1. Protestant Self-Assertion and Spiritual Sickness

2.Agency and Inquiry After Darwin

Part II. Religion, the Moral Life, and Democracy

3. Faith and Democratic Piety

4. Within the Space of Moral Reflection

5. Constraining Elites and Managing Power

Epilogue

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780231516167

0231516169

OCLC:

831121352