John Dewey's The Public and its Problems Ch.3 Ep#3

In this episode, we delve into the intricate balance between individual freedom and collective virtues, channeling the wisdom of John Dewey and his philosophies. Through the orchestral metaphor, we unveil the subtleties of this relationship, presenting society as a "symphony" and individuals as "musicians." We discuss Dewey's perspective on the pivotal role of the "conductor" (government) in guiding these diverse performances, not to limit personal virtuosity, but to facilitate its integration into a harmonious collective narrative.

Drawing from Dewey's work, we delve into the significance of virtues, moral narratives, and shared values. We discuss how individual skill and commitment to the community contribute to the overall wellness of society, touching upon Dewey's emphasis on the interaction of personal growth and societal health. Lastly, we grapple with Dewey's concept of the "Great Society," contemplating the ramifications of technology and mechanization on our interconnected world. Engaging with his critiques, we explore how we can preserve a sense of belonging and shared purpose amid rapid societal transformation, and how we can utilize technology not as a tool for mere efficiency but as a means to foster deeper connections and nurture our shared humanity.

Some Topics Discussed:

• John Dewey
• Pragmatism
• Charles Taylor
• Individual Freedom
• Collective Virtues
• Moral Narratives
• Shared Values (corporate social responsibility)
• Great Society
• Impact of Technology on Society
• Shared Humanity

Further Info:

• The Book: The Public and its Problems
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Reviving_Virtue
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/RevivingVirtue
• Contact: [email protected]
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony: https://open.spotify.com/album/1Q9wJCeuUa3wrHrKKtsTFW?si=NeyPJ-dzRBeWfHhYDPgvvw
• Substack: https://revivingvirtue.substack.com/

Book Recommendations based on the themes in this episode:

1. The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion" by Jonathan Haidt: This book explores moral psychology, the foundation of our beliefs, and how they shape our society.
2. "The Third Wave: An Entrepreneur's Vision of the Future" by Steve Case: Case explores how technology and societal norms are evolving and how they could shape our future.
3. "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" by Robert D. Putnam: This book analyzes the decrease in civic engagement over the last few decades, highlighting the importance of rebuilding our sense of community.