"Growth" And "Democracy" In Dewey's Theory Of End Of Education

This study examines two important concepts in Dewey's philosophy of education,namely growth and democracy.Growth which is closely related to the concept of experience and embodies the influence from Darwinian Theory,occupies a central position in Dewey's philosophy of education.To a large extent,Dewey equates education with growth,that pursuits for growing.Dewey stresses that growth is not just personal,but also has a social dimension.It should be democratic oriented.Dewey raises a unique perspective of democracy,that democracy is the way of life as well as the form of association of community.In Dewey's view,democracy is the best way to realize the reorganization and reconstruction of experience.And the realization of democratic ideals cannot be achieved without the promotion of the intelligence of civic.This can only be achieved through education.Therefore,according to Dewey,there is closely contact among democracy,growth and education.First,this study begins with the discussion of Dewey' s theory of origin of education,to derive growth.Further,I will analyze the conditions that growth should be satisfied and the relationship between experience and growth to define growth.Secondly,I will discuss Dewey's intention that put forward the concept of growth,and highlight the superiority of growth through discussing the relationship between end of education and aim of education.Then,I will focus on the personal dimension of end of education,namely reflective thinking which emphasized by Dewey,to examining the relationship among experience,growth and reflective thinking in Dewey's theoretical framework.Thirdly,I will discuss the social dimension of growth.Growth is often considered as a non-directional growth,a kind of relativism and radical pluralism.But Dewey's view of democracy and its relationship with growth and education show that growth has democratic orientation,as well as education is conducted to culture democratic citizens.Finally,I will defend the challenge of Dewey's ideal of the great community,as well as try to analyze the questions existing in the process of the reconstruction of society by education and give a response.