Epistemology and Politics: the Unity of Theory and Practice in Dewey and Mao.

This dissertation attempts to mend the separation that exists in philosophy between epistemological theory and political theory. Preliminary examination of some of the ideas prevalent in various political theories reveals certain epistemological assumptions. This observation is supported by an analysis of the epistemological and political theories of John Dewey and Mao Tse-tung. The concepts of "change" and "interconnectedness" are examined initially. In this analysis the comparative approach that underlies the thesis is outlined. A theoretical analysis of the concept of change and interconnectedness and an investigation of the philosophical trends of these ideas culminate in a critical examination of Dewey's and Mao's views. A central part of the thesis is the examination of the concept of the unity between theory and practice in Western and Chinese thought. This is a theme that is fundamental to classical Marxist epistemology and political theory, but has rarely been examined philosophically. Aristotle's, Hegel's, and Dewey's views are explored. The exploration reveals varying degrees of separation and mutual dependence between 'theory' and 'practice'. The Chinese have had a long history of thinkers who have viewed "knowing" and "doing" as mutually dependent ideas. This theme is analyzed in the thought of Confucius, Wang Yang-ming, and Sun Yat-sen. The classical Marxist view is examined critically and systematically; and when combined with the analysis of the Chinese perspective, provides a better underst and ing of the views of Mao Tse-tung. The themes of change and interconnectedness are fundamental assumptions of the conception of the unity of theory and practice. This assumption and others are developed more systematically in Dewey's and Mao's concepts of experience and knowledge. These two thinkers were often critical of traditional epistemological theory and the thesis examines their critique and their respective modifications. Similarities and differences in their views are highlighted. Dewey, the Western liberal democrat, and Mao, the Chinese Marxist, both saw the need to have the political and social realm (practice) as the basis for any theoretical explanations about nature and the human experience (theory). The ideas of both of these thinkers provide a framework from which to re-examine and re-evaluate the nature and direction of contemporary philosophical inquiry.PhDPhilosophyUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/158653/1/8204672.pd