John Dewey’s Theory of Vocation
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: This article explores the concept of vocation in the political theory of John Dewey. Primarily relying on his political thought from the years prior to World War I, it analyzes in particular his early books and periodical essays, along with his lectures to teachers’ organizations, talks before groups of political activists, and seminars at the University of Chicago from this time. Using these early and formative sources, it argues that Dewey’s theory of democracy can rightly be understood as being centered on vocation’s role in society. In making this case, the article focuses on this concept, examining its relation to work, its role in democratic education, and its meaning for the professions, including experts in business and government. The essay concludes by discussing how Dewey’s understanding of vocation can help us reconsider the continuing political challenges and possibilities posed by the contemporary American experience of work.
Source: American Political Thought
DOI: 10.1086/685761
Author: Joel Winkelman
Institution: Hamilton College
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1604563572