A Re-examination of John Dewey and Education.

This paper examines John Dewey's major educational thoughts and his influence on education from a dynamic-historical perspective. Dewey's marked and enduring influence on Chinese educational thought and practice is a central theme. The paper argues that because Dewey himself and his ideas grew and matured in a dramatically changing and developing social-historical context no simple-minded judgments should be made in regard to his educational thoughts. The analysis and discussions are presented in four sections: (1) John Dewey, a son of his times; (2) John Dewey, a fighter against dualisms; (3) John Dewey a resolver not perfect; and (4) John Dewey, a thinker welcomed and attacked in China. (Author/JD)