John Dewey's The Public and its Problems Ch.6 Ep #6

In the sixth installment of our John Dewey Series, we delve into the final chapter of "The Public and Its Problems," titled 'The Problem of Method.' This episode explores the reconciliation of atomistic individualism with shared moral narratives, a key aspect of our quest for the good life. We scrutinize the challenges posed by Enlightenment thinking and its influence on our perception of society and the individual. The importance of face-to-face interactions in community building is discussed, exemplified by a case against drive-throughs to underscore the value of fostering direct dialogue. Further, we navigate the revitalization of local communal life, drawing insights from Dewey and Rorty, with a particular emphasis on the call for empathetic dialogue. As we conclude this episode, we reflect on our journey through Dewey's work, expressing hope for a society that is not only alive and flexible but also stable, responsive, and enriching.

Topics:

• Reconciliation of Atomistic Individualism and Shared Moral Narratives
• Critique of Enlightenment Thinking and its Impact on Society
• The Role of Face-to-Face Interactions in Community Building
• The Case Against Drive-Throughs as a Means to Foster Direct Dialogue
• Revitalization of Local Communal Life
• The Importance of Empathetic Dialogue in Community Building
• The Role of Education and Community Engagement in Healthcare Reform
• The Concept of Intelligence in Dewey's Philosophy
• The Importance of Ethics in Society
• The Hope for a Society that is Alive, Flexible, Stable, Responsive, and Enriching.

Book Recommendations:

• "How Private Equity Is Swallowing Up Health Care—And What to Do About It"by Dana Brown
• "Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity" by Richard Rorty
• "Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity" by Charles Taylor

• The Book: The Public and its Problems
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• Music by Jeffrey Anthony: https://open.spotify.com/album/1Q9wJCeuUa3wrHrKKtsTFW?si=NeyPJ-dzRBeWfHhYDPgvvw