Single Idea 22880

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 7. Communitarianism / a. Communitarianism]

Full Idea

The things in civilisation we most prize are not of ourselves. They exist by grace of the doings and sufferings of the continuous human community in which we are a link

Gist of Idea

The things in civilisation we prize are the products of other members of our community

Source

John Dewey (The Later Works (17 vols, ed Boydston) [1930], 9:57), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 7 'Reconstruct'

Book Reference

Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.202


A Reaction

Dewey defends liberalism, but he has strong communitarian tendencies. What is the significance of an enduring community losing touch with its own achievements?

Related Idea

Idea 22874 Individuality is only developed within groups [Dewey]