Science and Society

Abstract

THE leading philosopher of the United States, Prof. John Dewey, has in his latest book (“Philosophy and Civilization”*) joined heartily in the campaign often urged in these columns for a larger scope for science and the scientific spirit, especially among educators and those responsible for social and political action. We are not offering an ordinary review of Prof. Dewey's book, as the bulk of it consists of reprints of articles on detailed philosophic questions. But the concluding essay, under the title at the head of this article, is freshly published and raises a large number of tremendous questions in small space. They all merit a treatise apiece, with several supplementary chapters on points suggested but not brought out. One need scarcely say that on the main contention we are in full accord with Prof. Dewey. He sums this up in his concluding paragraphs, that “the great scientific revolution is still to come”, and that “it will ensue when men collectively and co-operatively organise their knowledge to achieve and make secure social values”. “We are living in a period of depression. The intellectual function of trouble is to lead men to think. The depression is a small price to pay if it induces us to think about the cause of the disorder, confusion, and insecurity which are the outstanding traits of our social life. If we do not go back to their cause, namely, our half-way and accidental use of science, mankind will still pass through depressions, which are the graphic record of our unplanned social life. … But it is incredible that men who have brought the technique of physical discovery, invention, and use to such a pitch of perfection will abdicate in face of the infinitely more important human problem.”