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  •  10
    Afterword
    In John Dewey's Metaphysical Theory, Springer Nature Switzerland. pp. 139-144. 2023.
    One is tempted to claim that “nature” and “existence” can be understood in an infinity of ways. It is a mistake to see either term as denoting some abstract and universal object of contemplation that cuts across cultures. Every depiction and characterization of the universe comes packaged with an entire way of living, so much so that it is rather impossible to say that our metaphysical views shape how we live without also accepting that how we live shapes our metaphysics. We do not all gaze upon…Read more
  •  18
    Metaphysical Orientation
    In John Dewey's Metaphysical Theory, Springer Nature Switzerland. pp. 1-26. 2023.
    “Metaphysical Orientation” identifies the central features of Dewey’s metaphysical program and places his conception of nature into a larger cultural and philosophical context. In order to underscore Dewey’s own metaphysical orientation, this chapter also discusses the commonalities and differences between two major philosophical movements with which Dewey is associated: American Pragmatism and American Naturalism.
  •  13
    Experience and Emergence
    In John Dewey's Metaphysical Theory, Springer Nature Switzerland. pp. 81-104. 2023.
    “Experience and Emergence” provides a nuanced and expansive way of understanding Dewey’s conception of experience through his theory of “emergence” and “emergent fields.” The emergent fields comprising experience are the transactional points of contact and continuity among nature, culture, consciousness, and cognition. Dewey’s emergentism reveals how experience is not merely “subjective” or “personal” but a complex set of interactions among the natural, the interpersonal, and the personal.
  •  15
    Prefigurations of Dewey’s Metaphysics: 1903–1916
    In John Dewey's Metaphysical Theory, Springer Nature Switzerland. pp. 27-47. 2023.
    “Prefigurations of Dewey’s Metaphysics: 1903–1916” highlights the major thematic elements of Dewey’s work between 1903 and 1916, providing guidance for understanding the metaphysical theory that would be more fully developed within the 1925 publication of Experience and Nature. More specifically, the chapter focuses upon three recurring interpretive strategies that are continually employed throughout Dewey’s Middle Works: continuity, double-movement, and tensional exchange. It is proposed that D…Read more
  •  15
    Generic Traits of Existence
    In John Dewey's Metaphysical Theory, Springer Nature Switzerland. pp. 49-79. 2023.
    “Generic Traits of Existence” discusses the meaning, import, and function of Dewey’s generic traits of existence, existential features that constitute the backbone of Dewey’s metaphysical theory. Drawing especially from Experience and Nature, it is argued that generic traits are best thought of as the pervasive and necessary patterns or rhythms of nature, a set of tensional relationships that are ultimately inseparable from one another. Extended analyses are provided for two of Dewey’s generic t…Read more
  •  21
    The Nature of Good and Evil
    In John Dewey's Metaphysical Theory, Springer Nature Switzerland. pp. 105-137. 2023.
    “The Nature of Good and Evil” addresses the relationship between Dewey’s metaphysics and his social ethics. The chapter focuses especially on wisdom, personality, and democracy, arguing that each term is directly tied to Dewey’s general ontological theory; the central object of wisdom is the “proportioned union” of generic traits, persons are grounded within a more comprehensive idea of nature, and Dewey provides “metaphysical warrant” on behalf of democracy.