 Radicalism vs. Liberalism: C. Wright Mills’ Critique of John Dewey's IdeasJ. L. Simich and Rick Tilman American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 1978, vol. 37, issue 4, 413-430 Abstract: Abstract. C. Wright Mills' critique of some aspects of the thought of John Dewey is analyzed. What Mills studied was what he referred to as 1) Dewey's “biologization” and “methodization” of value phenomena; 2) his approach to the solutions of socio‐economic problems and 3) his insensitivity to the structural origins of interest and power. Mills held generally that Dewey was unable to free himself from liberal‐reformist assumptions and programs and consequently could not construct a consistently radical critique of the dominant socioeconomic institutions. Careful analysis of Dewey's writings, however, suggests a picture substantially different from the one Mills painted. It is shown that, in several areas. Mills’ critique of Dewey was overstated and that Dewey was indeed committed to a program of fundamental social change considerably more radical than the prescriptions of contemporary liberalism. Finally, analysis of both Mills’ and Dewey's political biographies suggests a common desire for an egalitarian and participatory society based upon some form of socialism. Their common interests and values are more striking than their differences. Date: 1978 Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:37:y:1978:i:4:p:413-430 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Access Statistics for this article American Journal of Economics and Sociology is currently edited by Laurence S. Moss More articles in American Journal of Economics and Sociology from Wiley Blackwell |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.