Thinking with Spinoza, Locke, and Dewey about self-control, education, and democracy

Abstract

In the 17th century Spinoza and Locke wrote about education as aiming at self-control. In the 20th century Dewey argued for a similar view in Experience and education, where he described education as enabling people to have control over their own lives. These three philosophers all saw self-control as involving both the ability to make well-advised decisions and the competences necessary to follow them through. In the first half of the paper their theories are rephrased and explained. After that, the elements they have in common are analysed and supported with references to recent philosophical and psychological work on self-control. It is also argued that these common elements apply not only to individuals but also to groups and communities. The concluding section is a reflection on the relevance of what they said to modern discourse on educational aims and education for democracy.