Reconstruction in Philosophy

by John Dewey

"Reconstruction in Philosophy" by John Dewey is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The work explores the transformation of philosophical ideas in light of societal changes and advancements in science, arguing for a new understanding of philosophy that emphasizes its social function rather than its quest for absolute knowledge. Dewey seeks to bridge the gap between traditional concepts of philosophy and contemporary thought by addressing the conflicts between imaginative beliefs and factual knowledge. The opening of the book introduces the idea that human experience is deeply intertwined with memory and imagination, which shape our understanding of the world. Dewey contrasts the human ability to preserve past experiences with that of animals, emphasizing that human recollection transforms raw memories into narratives filled with emotional significance. He argues that this interplay of collective memory and imagination forms the foundation of philosophical thought and discourse. Dewey suggests that to understand the origins and functions of philosophy, one must also consider the influences of social traditions and emotional factors, which give rise to philosophical inquiry.