Pragmatism and the Social Analysis of Knowledge

This volume is a study of previously unexplored theoretical convergences between John Dewey’s social pragmatism and the sociology of knowledge.

It demonstrates how these convergences combined with the social psychology of G. H. Mead and Kenneth Burke create a framework for the construction of a new and more comprehensive approach to the social analysis of knowledge, the social theory of thought. Dunn indicates in what respects Dewey’s philosophy and this theory represent forms of social critique that reorient sociology in a critical direction. He offers an original interpretation of Dewey’s pragmatism and the significance of his work for social theory, sociology, and the sociological analysis of knowledge. The work introduces readers to a new approach to social critique which highlights Dewey’s emphasis on the connection between theory and practice and the close relationships among inquiry, agency, and democracy.

With carefully organized chapters and accessible language relatively free of jargon, this book will be of value to scholars and students in social theory, sociology, social psychology, and philosophy who are interested in pragmatism and the contributions of Dewey, Mead, and Burke to the social sciences.