Overview

"John Dewey was an American psychologist, philosopher, educator, social critic, and political activist. John Dewey: Science for a Changing World addresses Dewey's contemporary relevance; his life and intellectual trajectory; his basic philosophical ideas, with an emphasis on his philosophy of nature; and his educational theory, which has often been misunderstood. In addition, Dewey's pragmatism and pragmatist ethics are discussed, as are some of the criticisms that can be directed at them. Throughout the book, Dewey's ideas are related to the general history of ideas, but there is also a constant focus on how Dewey may assist us in solving some of the problems that face us in a so-called postmodern era. This book is the first to offer an interpretation of John Dewey's works with particular emphasis on his contribution to psychology. John Dewey distinguished himself by combining a culturalist approach to human life with a naturalistic one. He was an avowed naturalist and follower of Darwin, and Brinkmann shows how his non-reductionist, naturalist psychology can serve as a much-needed correction to contemporary forms of ""evolutionary psychology."" Dewey's psychology, however, is not an isolated element in his thinking as a whole, so the author also provides an introduction to the philosophical, ethical, and educational ideas that go hand-in-hand with his psychology. In the past couple of decades, there has been a renaissance of pragmatist ideas in philosophy, political theory, and education. Scholars are returning to the writings of William James, Charles Peirce, George Herbert Mead, and John Dewey. This book continues the fine tradition of Transaction's History and Theory of Psychology series."

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9781412852739

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-Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book.- --The Secular Humanist Bulletin -Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure.- --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK -This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy.- --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics -Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked.- --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book. --The Secular Humanist Bulletin Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book. --The Secular Humanist Bulletin Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark

Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book. --The Secular Humanist Bulletin Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book. --The Secular Humanist Bulletin Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark -Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book.- --The Secular Humanist Bulletin -Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure.- --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK -This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy.- --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics -Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked.- --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark

-Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book.- --The Secular Humanist Bulletin -Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure.- --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK -This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy.- --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics -Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked.- --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book. --The Secular Humanist Bulletin Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book. --The Secular Humanist Bulletin Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure. --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy. --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked. --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark

-Brinkmann, professor of psychology at the University of Aalborg in Denmark, gives an overview of John Dewey's historical contributions to philosophical and psychological thought and addresses his modern relevance. The way Dewey's particular brand of thought can help solve postmodern psychological issues is present throughout the book.- --The Secular Humanist Bulletin -Svend Brinkmann's aim is to present 'an interpretation of Dewey's position as strong, relevant, and constructive with regards to science, psychology, ethics, and education.' The central issue concerns how we can achieve truth in an uncertain and changing world. Brinkmann challenges the idea that Dewey's work was a precursor to postmodernism, and argues that it provides, instead, a crucial alternative. He also brings out the remarkable conceptual coherence of Dewey's diverse projects. The book ends with a nicely judged assessment of the major criticisms of Dewey's approach. A fitting introduction to a major intellectual figure.- --Alan Costall, professor of theoretical psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK -This book is a masterful exposition of the broad-ranging work of John Dewey. It exemplifies the clarity and focus on consequences which Dewey himself espoused. But more than merely summarize, it brings us into Dewey's oeuvre through contemporary concerns and scholarship, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. Professor Svend Brinkmann is, I suspect, one of the few scholars who understands the full paradigmatic significance of Dewey's philosophy.- --Alex Gillespie, co-editor, Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, Institute of Social Psychology, London School of Economics -Svend Brinkmann demonstrates in this book how theory and practice can intelligently enrich each other. His look at the philosophy of John Dewey is refreshing, as it stems from the Danish cultural and intellectual traditions that treat practice-based learning as a norm, and are known from the times of SOren Kierkegaard for their deep moral attitude toward life. John Dewey's deeply American ways of thinking are in this book explained and expanded by a gentle touch, leading to general understanding of the world in terms of responsibility. Brinkmann opens new alleys for the social thought of the twenty-first century, and the reader is invited to explore those facets of Dewey's thought--aesthetic and philosophical--that usually are overlooked.- --Jaan Valsiner, Niels Bohr Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark

Author Information

Svend Brinkmann is professor of psychology and qualitative methods in the department of communication and psychology at the University of Aalborg, Denmark. He is the author of numerous books, including Qualitative Inquiry in Everyday Life: Working with Everyday Life Materials and Psychology as a Moral Science: Perspectives on Normativity.

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