The Practicality of Play: Democratic, Liberal Arts Education

John Dewey and Mortimer Adler fiercely debated educational methods and curriculums during World War II. While Adler suggested that traditional teaching methods and a liberal arts curriculum offered the best education, Dewey pointed out that this type of education was elitist. Instead, Dewey argued that progressive teaching methods paired with a practical curriculum is the best education, which was seen as more democratic. This thesis looks at the ultimate end of education a "play" or leisure, which can be taught through liberal arts education, and explains that if play is seen as a practical endeavor, then liberal arts education can be incorporated into the curriculum through Dewey's philosophy and methods.No embarg