# Inquiry and Social Intelligence in The Public and Its Problems

> Theme guide for The Public and Its Problems by John Dewey.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_public_and_its_problems_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_public_and_its_problems_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_public_and_its_problems_se/themes/inquiry_and_intelligence
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_public_and_its_problems_se/themes