One of the most important American philosophers in history, John Dewey (1859–1952) was a pivotal figure in the pragmatist movement as well as a leading innovator in the progressive movement in education.

This concise and critical look at Dewey’s work examines his unique take on morality, art, and religion, his naturalistic approach to science and psychology, and his important contribution to political thought. Also exploring Dewey’s groundbreaking insights into how education should be treated as a social process and not just an engine for individual achievement, Hildebrand’s introduction brilliantly interweaves the different strands of Dewey’s thought, and demonstrates how it can be applied to key issues today, from the environment to bioethics.

David L. Hildebrand is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado Denver. He is the author of Beyond Realism and Antirealism: John Dewey and the Neopragmatists, as well as numerous scholarly articles on American philosophy.

"Erudite, organized, and articulate. The key terms and concepts of Dewey’s major publications are identified, explained, and related to one another in ways that render his work highly accessible. A lucid and jargon-free introduction."