Criticism of John Dewey’s Philosophy
John Dewey’s philosophy of pragmatism works for the reform of Society and Education. But its critics have condemned this philosophy for neglecting spiritual values. John Dewey believes that a child should educate according to a progressive society and not in accordance to the spiritual values. The nature of education is changeable and progressive.
Criticism of John Dewey’s Philosophy
1. Ignoring Spiritual Values
The Pragmatist view of Dewey considers spiritual values less important and presents an ideology to develop the nature of education in accordance with the material world and changing social values. His critics did not favour the lack of spiritual values in Dewey’s pragmatistic philosophy.
2. Limited Role of Teacher
The role of teacher is only of a guide. The teacher’s job is only to create opportunities for the child to have experiences of real world. The role of the teacher is limited; he cannot impose his belief and opinions on the child.
3. Lack of Stable Goals
Fixed goals have no significance in Dewey’s educational philosophy. According to Dewey, progressive society requires progressive goals and not static goals. Dewey’s philosophy emphasizes to develop educational objectives according to the utility of child and social values. On the other hand, educational thinkers believe that education needs to have stable goals. Without static goals the condition and direction of education would be like a directionless boat in the sea.
4. Indifference to Cultural Values
Dewey theory of Pragmatism does not accept the need of cultural values. According to Dewey, instead of cultural values, a dynamic society today needs practical and utilitarian educational principles. In another sense, today a child needs a progressive society and needs to acquire education according his utilitarian purposes in life.
Where Dewey has discussed about the nation, the discontinuation of the cultural existence of the nation from the path of education, shows a contradiction in Dewey’s opinion. In the absence of culture, humans are like fish without water. Disregard to cultural heritage and identity makes Dewey’s philosophy drab in the educational context.