The Public and its Problems
The work explores the relationship between the public and its political organization, emphasizing the gap between social facts and the interpretations of those facts. It argues that while physical sciences can compel belief through empirical evidence, social phenomena are often misinterpreted due to the lack of a systematic method for understanding their implications. The text critiques various political philosophies that attempt to define the state, highlighting the confusion that arises from differing interpretations of political behavior and the nature of the state itself. The author posits that the state is not merely a collection of individuals acting in isolation but a complex organization that emerges from the recognition of shared consequences of actions. The distinction between private and public actions is crucial; private actions may have social implications that necessitate public regulation. The text argues that the state arises when the consequences of individual actions extend beyond the immediate participants, creating a need for organized oversight. The work further examines the evolution of political institutions, noting that they often lag behind social changes brought about by technological advancements. The author critiques the notion of the "omni-competent" individual, suggesting that individuals are not inherently equipped to navigate the complexities of modern governance. Instead, the public must recognize its collective interests and organize itself to address the challenges posed by contemporary society. The text also addresses the challenges of democracy in the modern age, where the public is often fragmented and unable to articulate its interests effectively. It argues that the rise of impersonal forces and large organizations has obscured the public's ability to engage meaningfully in political processes. The author calls for a renewed focus on communication and shared understanding to foster a more cohesive public that can effectively participate in governance. Ultimately, the work advocates for a democratic state that is responsive to the needs of its citizens, emphasizing the importance of education, communication, and the recognition of shared interests in creating a functioning public. The author concludes that the path to a more effective democracy lies in the public's ability to organize itself around common goals and to engage critically with the political structures that govern its existence.
By John Dewey · First published 1927 · Genre: Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology · 6 chapters · 58,417 words
First lines
If one wishes to realize the distance which may lie between "facts" and the meaning of facts, let one go to the field of social discussion. Many persons seem to suppose that facts carry their meaning along with themselves on their face. Accumulate enough of them, and their interpretation stares out at you. The development of physical science is thought to confirm the idea. But the power of physical facts to coerce belief does not reside in the bare phenomena. It proceeds from method, from the technique of research and calculation. No one is ever forced by just the collection of facts to accept a particular theory of their meaning, so long as one retains intact some other doctrine by which he can marshal them. Only when the facts are allowed free play for the suggestion of new points of view is any significant conversion of conviction as to meaning possible. Take away from physical science its laboratory apparatus and its mathematical technique, and the human imagination might run wild in its theories of interpretation even if we suppose the brute facts to remain the same.
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The Public and its Problems is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Dewey, dated 1927 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Dewey
- Date: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, Education
- Length: 58,417 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 229 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
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- The Souls Of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois
- New England Reformers by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Genres
- Philosophy — The book explores fundamental questions about democracy, society, and the role of the public, making it a key philosophical text.
- Political Science — It addresses issues of governance, public opinion, and civic engagement, which are central to political science.
- Sociology — The examination of social problems and the collective behavior of the public situates the work within sociological discourse.
- Public Policy — The book discusses the implications of public issues and the need for effective policy responses.
Tags
Philosophy · Politics · Sociology · Democracy · Public Opinion · Citizenship · Participation · Community · Social Change · Power Dynamics · Influence · Communication
Contents
- Search for the Public
- Discovery of the State
- The Democratic State
- The Eclipse of the Public
- Search for the Great Community
- The Problem of Method