Radicalism vs. Liberalism: C. Wright Mills’ Critique of John Dewey's Ideas

. C. Wright Mills' critique of some aspects of the thought of John Dewey is analyzed. What Mills studied was what he referred to as 1) Dewey's “biologization” and “methodization” of value phenomena; 2) his approach to the solutions of socio‐economic problems and 3) his insensitivity to the structural origins of interest and power. Mills held generally that Dewey was unable to free himself from liberal‐reformist assumptions and programs and consequently could not construct a consistently radical critique of the dominant socioeconomic institutions. Careful analysis of Dewey's writings, however, suggests a picture substantially different from the one Mills painted. It is shown that, in several areas. Mills’ critique of Dewey was overstated and that Dewey was indeed committed to a program of fundamental social change considerably more radical than the prescriptions of contemporary liberalism. Finally, analysis of both Mills’ and Dewey's political biographies suggests a common desire for an egalitarian and participatory society based upon some form of socialism. Their common interests and values are more striking than their differences.