Abstract

While John Dewey has long held a position of prominence in pragmatic philosophy, little attention has been attributed to the contributions of Alice Chipman Dewey, his wife, intellectual partner, and perpetual confidant. In recognition of Alice’s pivotal role in advancing pragmatism, this chapter explores her efforts as an administrator and educator at the University of Chicago Laboratory School as well as her experiences with John as a feminist in Asia. Alice’s work exemplifies pragmatism as it was meant to be: a practical, active philosophy that is shaped by experience and responsive to change. In this spirit, Alice Dewey deserves to be recognized for her key role in enriching John Dewey’s pragmatic beliefs, and for grounding his ideas about education and openness in experience and action.