The Theoretic Life and the Challenge of American Pragmatism: Dewey and the Greeks in Contention

Abstract

One can say that the modern revolution that began in Europe culminates in America. The promise and dangers of modern commercial-technical civilization are found in their most acute highly developed form in America, which has become perhaps the most Baconian of nations. What has been the American project if not a great applied experiment in all the dominant ideas of modern thought? Where else do we find in greater degree or with greater success the advocacy of democracy, technological innovation, economic and political liberalism, and the valorization of commerce?

“I do most cordially hate you for writing against Latin Greek and Hebrew. I will never forgive you until you repent . No Never! It is impossible. –John Adams to Benjamin Rush . September 16, 1810 (https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-5563 (accessed May 5, 2018))

“Were every greek & latin book (the New Testament excepted) consumed in a bonfire, the world would be the wise & better for it…”-Benjamin Rush to John Adams, October 2, 1810”