Democracy and Education · Chapter
The Democratic Ideal explained
Dewey argues that democracy is not merely a form of government but a mode of associated living characterized by shared interests and free interaction between groups.
What happens
Dewey argues that democracy is not merely a form of government but a mode of associated living characterized by shared interests and free interaction between groups. This necessitates deliberate and systematic education to foster voluntary disposition, personal initiative, and adaptability, breaking down class, race, and national barriers.
Themes in this chapter
Democracy and Education
Democracy requires education to replace external authority with voluntary disposition and interest, and to ensure intellectual opportunities are accessible to all.
Social Function of Education
Education in a democratic society must cultivate personal initiative and adaptability to sustain a mobile, interconnected social order.
Key passages
“A democracy is more than a form of government; it is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.”
Democracy is fundamentally a way of living together through shared, communicated experience, not just a political system.
Defines democracy as a social and communicative process.
“The devotion of democracy to education is a familiar fact. The superficial explanation is that a government resting upon popular suffrage cannot be successful unless those who elect and who obey their governors are educated.”
It is well known that democracy depends on education; the obvious reason is that a government elected by the people requires an educated electorate.
Links democratic governance to the necessity of education.