Guen Hart, Carroll. “Power in the service of love”: John Dewey’s Logic and the Dream of a Common Language
1993, Hypatia 8 (2):190-214
Added by: Franci Mangraviti
Abstract:
While contemporary feminist philosophical discussions focus on the oppressiveness of universality which obliterates “difference,” the complete demise of universality might hamper feminist philosophy in its political project of furthering the well-being of all women. Dewey's thoroughly functionalized, relativized, and fallibilized understanding of universality may help us cut universality down to size while also appreciating its limited contribution. Deweyan universality may signify the ongoing search for a genuinely common language in the midst of difference.
Comment: Appropriate for a course on feminist logic, ideally after having introduced the students to Andrea Nye's "Words of Power". No familiarity with Dewey's Logic is assumed. Also a natural pick for a course on feminism and pragmatism, or any course discussing Dewey's Logic.