Liberalism and Social ActionIn this, one of Dewey's most accessible works, he surveys the history of liberal thought from John Locke to John Stuart Mill, in his search to find the core of liberalism for today's world. While liberals of all stripes have held to some very basic values-liberty, individuality, and the critical use of intelligence-earlier forms of liberalism restricted the state function to protecting its citizens while allowing free reign to socioeconomic forces. But, as society matures, so must liberalism as it reaches out to redefine itself in a world where government must play a role in creating an environment in which citizens can achieve their potential. Dewey's advocacy of a positive role for government-a new liberalism-nevertheless finds him rejecting radical Marxists and fascists who would use violence and revolution rather than democratic methods to aid the citizenry. |
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activities actual Al Seckel alism belief Bentham Benthamite century civil Communist Manifesto conception conflict consequences crisis in liberalism democracy directed doctrine dogma earlier liberalism economic effective liberty effort ends existing experimental expression external fact forces of production formulation freedom G. W. F. Hegel habits human nature idea ideals indi industrial influence insti institutions intel intellectual interests invention John Dewey John Locke John Stuart Mill Karl Marx labor laissez faire liberalism later legislation Locke Marx material means ment method of intelligence mind moral natural laws natural rights organized social past patterns Penn State Altoona PENNSTATE philosophy policies political possession possible present principle problem radical realize régime release renascent liberalism revolution scientific method Sidney Hook signifies social action social change social control social organization society struggle theory things thought tion tutions viduals violence