AN UNDENIABLE AND DISASTROUS INFLUENCE - DEWEY AND ENGLISH EDUCATION (1895-1939)

This article focuses on the educational theories and practices of the American pragmatist philosopher, John Dewey, and their reception in En gland between 1895 and 1939. It takes issue with the notion of influen ce and its usage in the History of Ideas and points to the many critiq ues it has been exposed to. Adopting Quentin Shinner's approach to the definition of influence, prevailing accounts of Dewey's impact on the English education system are found to be misleading. An alternative a ccount that highlights the contribution of J.J. Findlay and his sister Maria in introducing Dewey to an English audience is presented and th e role played by Dewey's educational thought in the transformation of the Froebelian pedagogy is emphasised. Other readings of Dewey by Engl ish educationalists are discussed in order to show the nature of their reception but also how small was the circle that made reference to De wey in their work.