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The Public and Its Problems · Theme
Inquiry and Social Intelligence
How The Public and Its Problems develops Inquiry and Social Intelligence.
The work advocates for the application of scientific inquiry and experimental intelligence to solve public problems and improve social conditions.
Where it surfaces
- V: Search for the Great Community
The chapter emphasizes the need for free social inquiry and the presentation of its results through art to create informed public opinion and a functioning democratic community.
- VI: The Problem of Method
Dewey argues that intelligence is not innate but shaped by social conditions and tools; improving public knowledge depends on freeing inquiry and dissemination.