Sidney Morgenbesser on the American Pragmatists: Section 4

Summary

The transcript explores John Dewey's philosophy of knowledge, focusing on his views on the scientific method, inquiry, and knowledge acquisition. Dewey was impressed by the success of science and believed its methods could be applied to other areas of life, such as social and political issues. He rejected the 'spectator' model of knowledge, emphasizing that humans are agents actively engaged with their environment, seeking understanding for survival. Dewey argued that knowledge is a tool for navigating the world, and inquiry should aim to acquire warranted beliefs, especially when revising existing knowledge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dewey was deeply impressed by the success of science, particularly its method, which he believed could be applied to social sciences and political life.
• 😀 Dewey rejected the 'spectator theory' of knowledge, which treated humans as passive observers, instead emphasizing humans as active agents engaged in the world.
• 😀 For Dewey, knowledge is essential for survival, as it helps humans understand and master their environment.
• 😀 Dewey viewed science's method of inquiry and cooperative research as the key to its success, not just its institutionalization.
• 😀 The core of Dewey's philosophy is that knowledge is not static or certain but should be continuously revised based on new experiences and evidence.
• 😀 Dewey argued that humans are not just passive receptors of knowledge; they interact with and act upon the world, using beliefs to guide their actions.
• 😀 He believed that knowledge is not an abstract reflection of reality but a practical tool for navigating and surviving within the world.
• 😀 Dewey's view of inquiry stresses that knowledge comes from engaging with the world through action and problem-solving, not merely through observation.
• 😀 Dewey criticized dualistic views in philosophy (e.g., the mind-body split), proposing a naturalistic view of human beings as organisms that act in and on the world.
• 😀 The goal of knowledge, according to Dewey, is to arrive at 'warranted beliefs'—those that are tested and supported by inquiry, rather than seeking ultimate certainty.

Q & A

What was the key point of Dewey's philosophy regarding the success of science?

Dewey believed that the success of science was primarily due to its method—specifically, the use of cooperative research and inference-making. He saw science as the most reliable form of knowledge because it was grounded in a systematic method that had proven more effective than other forms of inquiry.

Why did Dewey emphasize the importance of science's method rather than its institutionalization?

Dewey argued that the real reason for science's success lay in its method, rather than the mere existence of its institutions. The method of drawing inferences and engaging in cooperative research provided a more reliable way of acquiring knowledge, which made science uniquely successful.

How did Dewey view the role of humans in acquiring knowledge?

Dewey rejected the traditional view of humans as passive spectators of knowledge. Instead, he saw humans as active agents who engage with their environment, acquiring knowledge through their actions and interactions, which are vital for survival and understanding.

What is the 'spectator theory of knowledge' that Dewey criticized?

The 'spectator theory of knowledge' is the idea that humans are passive observers of the world, gathering knowledge by observing and analyzing it from a distance. Dewey critiqued this theory, arguing that humans are instead active participants in the world, constantly interacting with their environment and acquiring knowledge through these engagements.

What does Dewey mean by 'warranted beliefs' in the context of knowledge?

In Dewey's view, 'warranted beliefs' refer to beliefs that are justified through inquiry—beliefs that are supported by evidence and reasoned revision. These beliefs are not absolute truths, but they are the most reliable and rational beliefs formed through careful investigation.

How does Dewey's philosophy of inquiry differ from traditional views of knowledge?

Dewey's philosophy of inquiry is pragmatic and process-oriented, focusing on the acquisition of beliefs that are warranted through ongoing inquiry. Unlike traditional views that sought fixed truths or certainty, Dewey emphasized that knowledge evolves as a result of continuous interaction with the world and the revision of beliefs over time.

How does Dewey's naturalistic view of human nature influence his philosophy of knowledge?

Dewey’s naturalistic view sees humans as biological organisms engaged in action and interaction with their environment. This perspective emphasizes the importance of context, culture, and institutional factors in shaping knowledge, and it rejects dualistic notions of mind and body, focusing instead on how humans act and perceive the world.

What is Dewey's stance on the certainty of knowledge?

Dewey rejected the idea of certainty in knowledge. He argued that knowledge is not about achieving certainty or fixed truths but about acquiring warranted beliefs through inquiry and revision. Knowledge is a dynamic, evolving process rather than a static possession of absolute facts.

Why did Dewey consider the traditional philosophy of knowledge misleading?

Dewey believed traditional philosophy was misleading because it often treated humans as passive spectators who acquired knowledge by merely observing the world. He argued that this view ignored the fact that humans are active agents who must engage with their environment and act on their beliefs to survive and understand it.

What role does social context play in Dewey's view of knowledge?

Dewey acknowledged that knowledge is influenced by social context and cultural factors. He argued that humans acquire knowledge not only through individual action but also through social interaction, with institutional and cultural factors shaping how we perceive and understand the world.