Saatkamp – Hickman and Dewey: Naturalism’s Hope?

Larry Hickman has both fostered his own analysis, explication, and application of Dewey’s philosophy as well as overseen the critical edition of John Dewey’s works at the Center for Dewey Studies. In America our democracy is struggling, making Hickman’s scholarly work even more important. I will attempt to explain some of Hickman’s use of Dewey’s philosophy to address some current issues that include the roles of religion and education in American democracy.

Much of Hickman’s pragmatic naturalism provides hope for democracy as a way of life and as a governmental organization. But will that hope meet contemporary challenges in our society? I suggest some possible limitations to Dewey’s and Hickman’s views, but highlight the central role both play in American philosophy.