Dewey on Rousseau: Natural Development as the Aim of Education

Authors

  • Jon Fennell Department of Education, State of Idaho, Boise, Idaho

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11575/jet.v13i2.43789

Abstract

In Democracy and Education John Dewey is critical of Rousseau 's reference to human nature as a source of the aims of education. The essay shows that Dewey's critique fa ils because it is founded upon an incomplete understanding of Rousseau. More broadly significant is Dewey's neglect of the crucial role assumed by the Natural both in educational theorizing and in justification in general. Reference to the Natural serves to legitimize while diverting critical attention from the roots of the favored proposal.

Published

2018-05-11

Issue

Section

Articles