Did John Dewey Refute His Definition of Critical Thinking?

There is an ongoing debate among scholars regarding the evolution of John Dewey's definition of critical thinking. According to my understanding, Dewey initially defined critical thinking as a habit of actively, persistently, and carefully considering any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it, suggest doubt, and further conclusions to which it would lead if adopted. However, some contend that at a later stage of his development, Dewey abandoned this definition. This article explores whether Dewey indeed refuted his own definition of critical thinking.

Key Elements in Dewey's Theories

My interpretation of Dewey’s work indicates that 'reflection' was a key element in his theories. Reflection, Dewey believed, is a crucial element to learning. He did not advocate for the idea of an armchair theorist. Instead, he postulated the importance of following reflection with action, or trying out and testing ideas in practice. This is often encapsulated in the phrase ‘learning by doing.’ Therefore, if one believes that 'reflection' is part of critical thinking, it is possible that Dewey modified his definition, but I am not convinced that he refuted it.

Dewey's Definitions and Perspectives

Dewey defined critical thinking as 'suspended judgment,' which he explained as not an agnostic neutrality but as the refusal to judge anything prematurely or without doing due diligence. In practice, this means conducting a thorough and impartial scientific examination of the issue.

In 1910, in his seminal book, ‘How We Think,’ Dewey further elaborated on the concept of critical thinking, equating it to the scientific method and the thought-process of hypothesis formation, testing various hypotheses against data, and seeing which hypothesis explains the data and can make accurate predictions of future events. Dewey believed that critical thinking or inference is merely a synonym for scientific method, a standard of rational conduct that all adherents must follow.

The Evolution and Continuity of Dewey's Thought

It is important to note that stipulative definitions can neither be 'refuted' nor upheld, any more than words in a dictionary can be either true or false. Dewey himself did not use the term 'critical thinking' much after 1917, instead preferring to call it 'the method of intelligence' and adopting the term 'instrumentalism' to describe his philosophical approach. Despite this change in terminology, his views on the subject remained remarkably consistent.

Dewey's chief error was in supposing that he was describing how we think instead of prescribing how we ought and ought not to think. He became more convinced than ever that the world needed to think rationally and scientifically. In the revised edition of ‘Reconstruction in Philosophy’ (1948, first published in 1920), Dewey argued that if Adolf Hitler had been a genuine pragmatist, he would not have tried to destroy the world. This was a direct response to critics who equated pragmatism with fascism.

Reflection on Dewey's Legacy

John Dewey’s analysis of Charles Lamb’s “Dissertation upon Roast Pork” (1823) is an education in logic, and his critical evaluation provides a deep understanding of the thought processes involved in critical thinking. Dewey’s critique of the fact/value dichotomy, which he saw as crippling both scientific and philosophical inquiry, highlights his commitment to rational thought and his belief in the power of scientific method to address complex issues.

Dewey’s journey as a critical thinker is a reminder that the price of rationality is often self-sacrifice. As we journey into the realm of critical thinking, we should follow in Dewey's footsteps, seeking the truth and adhering to the principles of scientific inquiry, even if it means challenging our own assumptions and beliefs.

I wish you a better fate, but there are no guarantees, and nothing can refute invincible ignorance except by refusing to wallow in it.