Experimental Democracy. An Approximation via John Dewey's Liberalisms

In political philosophy John Dewey is most famous for his concept of experimental democracy. But in fact, Dewey doesn’t elaborate on what he means by experiment and how this concept would translate into politics. So, what are the major elements of an experimental democracy along Deweyian lines? I suggest that the best way to answer this question is to look at how Dewey’s own political positions – his liberalisms – have changed over his long career. Instead of expounding it, Dewey lives an experimental philosophy.

Prof. Dr. Michael G. Festl teaches philosophy at the University of St. Gallen. Michael has been guest researcher at Salzburg, Chicago, and Melbourne. His major field of research is political philosophy where he published two monographs, five anthologies and numerous papers. He is director of the John-Dewey-Center Switzerland and President of the Philosophical Society Eastern Switzerland. He lives with his wife and his four children close to Lake Constance.