John Dewey: A feminist consideration of his concepts of the individual and sociality

This dissertation considers selected aspects of John Dewey\u27s educational philosophy from a feminist perspective. As inquiry, it is a critical consideration of an established educational tradition. Most importantly, this inquiry suggests that through consideration, we may find relevant wisdom for our feminist educational theories and practices. The focus of this dissertation are John Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and sociality. Because both John Dewey\u27s and feminist educational treatises are experience-centered, the consideration of the notions of the individual and of sociality is prudent. Through an examination of Dewey\u27s construction of the individual and sociality, we are able to consider whether or not we can we apply Dewey\u27s revisionist philosophy to our personal, political and social worlds. Do Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and the social have the characteristic connectedness that many feminists require? Do his conceptualizations of the individual and the social have anything of value for feminist agendas? Are feminist goals for the individual and sociality possible through a Deweyan conceptualization? Can Dewey\u27s individual and sociality help fuel the feminist revolution? Concluding observations present the dangers of neglecting to consider past educational thought, feminist educational theorists\u27 responsibilities, and the worth of reappropriating Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and sociality. By reappropriating John Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and sociality and using them as feminist pedagogical anchors, we are able to take possession of the cognitive powers of interdependence. From the consideration of feminist models of sociality, we can submit that a feminist model of friendship can serve as the means for attaining broader and more heightened intellectual abilities. The writings of John Dewey serve as primary sources while texts on feminist theory provide the parameters for analysis