John Dewey, Art and Public Life

Authors

Mark Mattern, Chapman University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1999

Abstract

This article explores, criticizes, and extends John Dewey's arguments about art in relation to public life in a democracy. Dewey believed that art is a potent form of communication through which community is developed and political action undertaken. Although correct, Dewey erased conflict, negotiation and contestation From art, and failed to address the crucial role of power in the world of art. Three distinct kinds of political action through art are developed: pragmatic, deliberative, and confrontational.

Comments

This article was originally published in The Journal of Politics, volume 61, issue 1, in 1999. DOI: 10.2307/2647775

Recommended Citation

Mattern, Mark. "John Dewey, art and public life." The Journal of Politics 61.01 (1999): 54-75.
DOI:10.2307/2647775

Peer Reviewed

1

Copyright

University of Texas Press