Final answer:
John Dewey viewed equality in democracy as a fundamental principle where each citizen has equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to contribute to society. Philosophers like Rawls and Dworkin have further examined this concept through principles that justify certain inequalities if they benefit the most disadvantaged and ensure positions of opportunity are open to all. Dewey's emphasis on education highlights the role it plays in achieving a democratic society that embodies these values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of equality in democracy, according to John Dewey, is closely tied to the very essence of democracy itself. Dewey asserts that a democratic society must offer an environment where there is an equal regard for all citizens, reflecting the notion that each individual is entitled to the same rights and responsibilities, and should be given equal opportunities to participate and contribute to societal development.
This understanding aligns with the concept of 'equality of opportunity' advanced by other philosophers like Ronald Dworkin and John Rawls. Rawls's liberty principle emphasizes the notion that each person is owed equal rights to basic liberties, while his difference principle acknowledges that social and economic inequalities can be justifiable only if they benefit the least advantaged and are attached to positions of opportunity open to all. This reflects an acknowledgment of the need to balance freedoms and opportunities to achieve a democratic equilibrium.
For Dewey, such equality is not merely a legal requirement but also a cultural aspiration, reflecting the importance of education in fostering a citizenry capable of actualizing the principles of democracy. In the context of American democracy, this translates into what is often referred to as the 'American Dream,' where each individual is provided with the same platform to achieve success, shaping the nation's perception of liberty and equality.