Educating in a world on fire: Deweyan problem-solving and the role of higher education

In this chapter, Forstenzer asks: How can education help us deal with a world in which the harsh realities of climate chaos, violence, and catastrophe threaten our collective survival? To explore this question, the chapter examines Dewey’s Human Nature and Conduct (1922), beginning by discussing his conception of human nature and violence. Second, it addresses how Dewey conceives of how we overcome the threat of violence via cultural means. Third, it discusses our orientation toward the future, as well as problems and catastrophes. Fourth, it addresses the role that education and higher education in particular plays in supporting the task of intelligently responding to problems and catastrophes. Ultimately, Forstenzer argues that Dewey’s conception of intelligent cultural adaptation provides us with a helpful injunction to focus our efforts on fostering the development of moral, civic, and epistemic character across the community.