The School and Society – Being Three Lectures

In The School and Society: Being Three Lectures, John Dewey presents a foundational critique of traditional schooling and advances a progressive educational philosophy grounded in pragmatism. He contends that education is not preparation for life but life itself. Schools should mirror democratic society, fostering collaboration, inquiry, and meaningful activity. Dewey emphasizes experiential learning, manual training, and interdisciplinary integration as essential components of modern education. By situating the child within a living social context, he redefines the relationship between school, industry, and community. The book remains a seminal text in educational theory, shaping progressive pedagogy and democratic schooling worldwide.