Malcolm P. Cutchin
Search for other papers by Malcolm P. Cutchin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Habits of social inquiry and reconstruction 
A Deweyan vision of democracy and social research 
Abstract only
Log-in for full text

Social scientists have begun to re-evaluate and incorporate some of pragmatist John Dewey’s insights into their work. This chapter explores the role of habit in John Dewey’s understanding of human psychology and culture, opening up connections to his associated ideas of embodiment, imagination, inquiry and community, all of which are central to his concept of democracy. The formation, implementation and modification of habits – whether viewed as individual-level, community-level or cultural-level – are central to the problem of adept democratic activity and social functioning. After explaining Dewey’s meaning of, and emphasis on, habit and its correlates, I suggest how time, culture, place and criticism are important considerations within Dewey’s vision of democracy and inquiry. In the closing section of the chapter, I turn to the more applied side of the matter and sketch out some potential implications of these ideas for doing social research and for social science as part of the university that engages in community life.

  • Collapse
  • Expand

All of MUP's digital content including Open Access books and journals is now available on manchesterhive.

 

The power of pragmatism

Knowledge production and social inquiry

Editors: and

Metrics

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 774 251 14
Full Text Views 28 16 0
PDF Downloads 16 8 0