John Dewey

JOHN DEWEY

John Dewey was a philosopher of the United States, which includes the School of Pragmatism. Aside from being a philosopher, Dewey also known as social critics and thinkers in the field of education.

Dewey was born in Burlington in 1859. After completing his studies in Baltimore, he became professor of philosophy and then in the field of education at several universities throughout his career, Dewey produces more than 40 books and 700 articles. Dewey died in 1952.

From 1884 to 1888, Dewey taught at the University of Michigan in the field of philosophy. In 1889 he moved to the University of Minnesota. But at the end of that same year, he moved to the University of Michigan and became head of the field of philosophy. This task is carried out until 1894, when he moved to the University of Chicago who brings a lot of influence on his views on school education at a later date. He served as leader of the philosophy department at this university year 1894-1904. He later founded the Laboratory School that became known as The Dewey School. In this research center he started his research on education in the schools and try to apply the theory of education in schools praxis. The result, he left the patterns and traditional educational processes that rely on the ability to hear and memorize. Instead, he emphasized the importance of creativity and student involvement in discussion and problem solving. During this period also he slowly left the idealism of thinking styles that have influenced them. So in addition to his education, he also pursue the field of logic, psychology and ethics.

According to Dewey, the task of philosophy is to provide guidance for action in real life. Therefore, philosophy should not be lost in mere metaphysical thinking. Philosophy must be grounded in experience, and investigate and process these experiences critically. Thus, philosophy can construct a system of values ​​or norms.