John Dewey and the Philosopher's Task

In what may be Philip Jackson's best work yet, readers are taken on a fascinating journey into the mind of John Dewey. By analyzing Dewey's attempts to revise the introduction to one of his most important books, Experience and Nature, Jackson explores Dewey's efforts (both intellectually and emotionally) to explain the all-important relationship between philosophy and human affairs. This story of Dewey's life-long struggle with a complex philosophical question (one that continues to challenge philosophers today) is also the story of Jackson's own struggle to understand Dewey's quest. Written for anyone interested in philosophy or the writings of Dewey, this engaging book is essential reading for understanding the philosophic method and the philosopher's task of inquiry.

Philip W. Jackson is the David Lee Shillinglaw Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Education and Psychology at the University of Chicago.