John Dewey

John Dewey (1859-1952) was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer whose ideas significantly shaped modern education. He is most recognized for his work "Democracy and Education" (1916), which proposed progressive education principles emphasizing experiential learning and critical thinking. Dewey co-founded the New School for Social Research in 1919 and was a leading figure in the development of pragmatism, a philosophical tradition that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application. His book "The Public and Its Problems" (1927) explored the role of public opinion in democratic societies, further cementing his role as a key intellectual of his time. Dewey's influence extended through his tenure at the University of Chicago and later at Columbia University.