Reconstruction in Philosophy

Reconstruction in Philosophy by John Dewey, Professor of Philosophy in Columbia University



Being invited to lecture at the Imperial University of Japan in Tokyo during February & March of the present year, I attempted an interpretation of the reconstruction of ideas & ways of thought now going on in philosophy. While the lectures cannot avoid revealing the marks of the particular standpoint of their author, the aim is to exhibit the general contrasts between older & newer types of philosophic problems rather than to make a partisan plea in behalf of any one specific solution of these problems. I have tried for the most part to set forth the forces which make intellectual reconstruction inevitable & to prefigure some of the lines upon which it must proceed.



Any one who has enjoyed the unique hospitality of Japan will be overwhelmed with confusion if he endeavors to make an acknowledgment in any way commensurate to the kindnesses he received. (Continued in Prefatory Note.)