Defending Dewey: A Pragmatic Case For Human Rights
Open Access
Author:
Dorian, Pamela Eve
Area of Honors:
Philosophy
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Vincent M Colapietro, Thesis Supervisor John Philip Christman, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
John Dewey Thelma Z. Lavine Joseph Betz human rights evolutionary ethics democracy individualism pragmatism
Abstract:
In this paper, I explore John Dewey’s philosophy and how it applies to human rights. First, I provide background information about the intellectual development of Dewey. Then, I summarize the relevant characteristics of his political and moral philosophy, focusing on his belief in democracy and evolutionary ethics. Next, I analyze Dewey’s treatment of human rights, drawing from Joseph Betz’s 1978 article on the same topic. After that, I explain Thelma Z. Lavine’s metaphysical and foundational criticisms of Dewey’s treatment of rights. Finally, I defend Dewey against these criticisms.
