Democracy and Education

In Democracy and Education, Dewey argues that the primary and inescapable facts of the birth and death of each of the constituent members of a social group determine the need for education. On the one hand, there is the contrast between the immaturity of the newborn members of the group (their future sole representatives) and the maturity of the adult members who possess the knowledge and customs of the group. On the other hand, there is a need for these immature members not to simply be physically preserved in adequate quantities, but to be initiated into the interests, purposes, information, abilities and practices of the mature members; otherwise, the group will stop working. characteristic life. Dewey observes that even in a "wild" tribe, the achievements of adults are far beyond what the immature members would be capable of if left alone. With the growth of civilization, the gap between the original capabilities of the immature and the standards and customs of the elderly increases. Mere physical growth and mastery of basic subsistence needs will not be enough to reproduce the life of the group. It requires deliberate effort and thoughtful action. Beings who are born not only unaware of the goals and habits of the social group, but also quite indifferent to them, must be aware of them and actively interested. According to Dewey, education, and education alone, bridges the gap.