John Dewey and Daoist Thought

Jim Behuniak is Professor of Philosophy at Colby College. He is the author of John Dewey and Confucian Thought: Experiments in Intra-cultural Philosophy, Volume Two and Mencius on Becoming Human, both also published by SUNY Press.

• List of IllustrationsPreludeDewey’s Chinese FriendshipsDewey and Chinese ThoughtAcknowledgmentsPart I. 1. John Dewey and Intra-cultural PhilosophyPhilosophy East and WestComparative SituationsCulture and the Comparative PhilosopherExperiments in Intra-cultural PhilosophyConnecting Strains of Culture2. Forms and NaturePhilosophy Out of GearMystery and FormDe 德 and Directional OrderHabits and Dao 道-ActivityForm (xing 形) and Environment3. Orders and SpontaneityDewey’s MetaphysicsEmbracing the One (baoyi 抱一)1-2-3 and the Great ContinuumAttaining the One (deyi 得一)Forms and Types4. Rhythms and EnergiesThe Chinese LandscapeForms, Rhythms, and Qi 氣 Types and PotentialsNature and Xing 性 Wuwei 無為 and Observing the SmallPart II. 5. Methods and IntelligenceTheory and Ordinary ActivityMethod and Dao 道-PracticeThe Virtues of Individual MethodKnowledge and IntelligenceThe Man from Song6. Knowledge and TechnologyKnowledge Wanders NorthThe Primitive MindsetKnowledge and WholenessThe Tool of KnowingThe Monopoly of Knowledge7. Bodies and ArtifactsDewey’s Body-PracticeAnimal Bodies and Rival AnthropologiesLanguage and the Human DifferenceImitation and Human SelfhoodThe Great and Venerable Teacher8. Problems and InquiryAutumn FloodsNature and ValuationDismissing Market DaoismIntelligence and PrognosticationDestiny UnboundNotesWorks CitedIndex

"With this two-volume set, Behuniak has produced an exemplary work of intra-cultural philosophy. The dynamic interplay between Dewey's and Confucian/Daoist philosophies percolates spiritedly in its pages, the contemporary relevance of the exchange never in doubt. Behuniak's meticulous scholarship leaves no stone unturned, while his incisive analyses offer critical and productive contributions to ongoing dialogues. There is much to be gained from this book; I would recommend it highly to anyone." — Mathew A. Foust, Reading Religion"As the first piece of an over 800 pages scholarly undertaking, this volume provides more than a mere glance into the workings of philosophy's fictional two poles: the western and the eastern. It creates a momentum: a momentum of joyful reading that propels the enthusiasts of either culture to get into the second volume of the set, as soon as they put down the first one." — Religious Studies Review"Moving beyond the limits of comparative philosophy, Behuniak's intra-cultural approach refuses to separate past and present or to separate various philosophical traditions into self-enclosed compartments. Such an approach has been a long time coming. Like a good Platonic dialogue, these volumes place important traditions into conversations that enhance thinking about today's issues. In terms of depth and thoroughness, the scope of learning in both American and Chinese philosophies is breathtaking." — Raymond Boisvert, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Siena College