“Freedom means essentially the part played by thinking—which is personal—in learning.”
- Source
- Democracy and Education
- Date
- 1916
Meaning of “Freedom means essentially the part played by thinking—which…”
Dewey locates a central part of educational freedom in intellectual initiative: observation, invention, foresight and adaptation undertaken by the learner rather than imposed as mere external compliance.
Where does it come from?
Democracy and Education (1916), Chapter XXII, “The Individual and the World.” Dewey defines the educational sense of freedom through the personal part played by thinking in learning—intellectual initiative, independent observation, invention, foresight and adaptation—while also arguing that this mental freedom requires room for exploration and movement. Verified against Project Gutenberg #852 and the scan-backed Wikisource Chapter XXII transcription. This is historical educational philosophy, not a modern clinical or legal definition of autonomy.
