Final answer:
John Dewey's theory of education, rooted in pragmatism, emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and the scientific method to create informed citizens and promote societal progress.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Dewey, an influential American philosopher and educator, proposed a progressive educational theory that emphasized the importance of experience and reflection in learning. His ideas revolved around the concept of learning by doing, where students engage in active problem-solving and critical thinking rather than passive absorption of facts.
Dewey's philosophy was driven by the idea that education should be tightly connected with the real world and prepare students to become engaged, informed citizens. By incorporating the scientific method into education, students would observe, hypothesize, experiment, and reflect, thus developing a habit of mind that values inquiry and evidence-based reasoning.
Dewey's influence extended towards educational reform with the aim of creating a more informed citizenry capable of contributing to a democratic society. He believed that through education, individuals could achieve personal fulfillment, while collectively working towards a more equitable and just society.
Dewey saw education as the means to foster critical thinking, promote democracy, and pave the way for societal progress. His work set the stage for subsequent educational philosophies that center on the learner's interaction with their environment and the social nature of learning.