This paper is about the notion of conflict in the work of John Dewey. Special attention is given to "Democracy and Education" (1916) because of its centennial and its acclaimed status of "magnum opus". After depicting "conflicts as gadflies" that stir thinking--reflection and ingenuity--and relating it to Socrates, in…

Despite persistent questions about the nature and purpose of social studies education in the United States, there exists general agreement that social studies should be about democratic citizenship. But much depends on how individuals view democracy, and the extent to which they think it has been, or could be, realized through education. This…

Many contemporary efforts to reform teaching emphasize increased professionalism and autonomy for teachers. This article examines whether, from a liberal perspective, these emphases are morally and politically legitimate. It sets forth conditions that a legitimate claim for autonomy and professional status must meet, considers the extent to which…

Maintains that a course in U.S. political thought is necessary to increase students' knowledge of democracy, liberty, and human rights. Provides course goals, structure, and useful texts. Suggests a topical format rather than a chronological approach. Focuses on judicial opinions as an important indicator of traditional values. (RW)

This paper develops a basic conceptual framework of values and the valuing process. Section 1, Values and Value Claims, discusses the four different types of value claims (personal, market, real, and implicit) and their relationships. The second section considers the process of rational evaluation as a method of arriving at and supporting value…

This classic report on the relationship of literature and American education is an exposition of the importance of literature to the common man in a democratic society. No artificial distinction, the authors stress, is made between literature in the vernacular and literature in foreign languages. A defense of letters leads to a discussion of…

Informed and involved citizens are crucial to the functioning of U.S. democracy, yet many people increasingly are reluctant to exercise even the most basic responsibilities of citizenship. Participation in the political process is disturbingly low. If this trend is to be reversed, the country must strengthen civic values and expand the civic…

In most ways the island nations of Iceland and Singapore could not be more different from each other: Iceland is sparsely populated, located near the Arctic Circle, and a very free and individualistic democratic society; Singapore is densely populated, located near the equator, and a very regulated and collectivist meritocracy. But both nations…