Modern Philosophy 17th 19th Centuries Questions Medium
Instrumentalism, as developed by John Dewey, is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the practical and functional aspects of knowledge and truth. Dewey believed that knowledge and truth should be seen as tools or instruments that help us navigate and interact with the world, rather than as fixed and absolute entities.
According to Dewey, instrumentalism rejects the idea of knowledge as a representation of an external reality that exists independently of our experiences. Instead, he argued that knowledge is a product of our interactions with the world and is constantly evolving and changing. In this view, knowledge is not a passive reflection of reality, but an active and dynamic process of inquiry and problem-solving.
Dewey believed that the purpose of knowledge is to guide our actions and help us achieve our goals. He emphasized the practical application of knowledge in solving problems and improving our lives. For Dewey, knowledge is not an end in itself, but a means to an end – it is valuable to the extent that it helps us achieve desired outcomes and promote human flourishing.
In the philosophy of education, Dewey applied instrumentalism by advocating for a hands-on, experiential approach to learning. He believed that education should focus on practical skills and problem-solving, rather than abstract knowledge. Dewey argued that learning should be connected to real-life situations and should empower individuals to actively engage with the world and make meaningful contributions to society.
Overall, instrumentalism in the philosophy of John Dewey emphasizes the practical and functional nature of knowledge, viewing it as a tool for action and problem-solving. It rejects the notion of knowledge as a fixed and absolute representation of reality, instead emphasizing its dynamic and evolving nature. By emphasizing the practical application of knowledge, Dewey sought to promote active engagement with the world and the pursuit of human flourishing.