The Dangers with Dogmas in Higher Education: Revisiting Dewey's Relationship between Purpose, Academic Freedom, Science, and Faith

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Dangers with Dogmas in Higher Education: Revisiting Dewey's Relationship between Purpose, Academic Freedom, Science, and Faith
Language: English
Authors: Silvia Edling (ORCID 0000-0002-4618-0532)
Source: Educational Theory. 2026 76(3):378-394.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Educational Philosophy, Higher Education, Role of Education, Academic Freedom, Sciences, Religious Factors, Beliefs, Politics of Education
DOI: 10.1111/edth.70083
ISSN: 0013-2004
1741-5446
Abstract: The tendency to silence higher education teachers and students around the globe who express opinions that others regard as wrong is increasing. This lack of interest in listening to, and at times silencing, people with opposing views raises the question of what makes higher education unique and worth protecting. The aim of this article is to revisit the writings of John Dewey with regard to a) the purpose of higher education; b) the relationship between science, faith, and (academic) freedom; and c) threats to the purpose of academic freedom as a way of being more vigilant towards the current challenges to academic freedom. Drawing on Dewey's writings, the article contributes a conceptual orientation for educators and educational researchers to help them observe nuances in the public space of universities before making judgments drawing on knowledge from the past, an awareness of the human condition as a basis for science and education, and intelligent inquiry.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1504882
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The tendency to silence higher education teachers and students around the globe who express opinions that others regard as wrong is increasing. This lack of interest in listening to, and at times silencing, people with opposing views raises the question of what makes higher education unique and worth protecting. The aim of this article is to revisit the writings of John Dewey with regard to a) the purpose of higher education; b) the relationship between science, faith, and (academic) freedom; and c) threats to the purpose of academic freedom as a way of being more vigilant towards the current challenges to academic freedom. Drawing on Dewey's writings, the article contributes a conceptual orientation for educators and educational researchers to help them observe nuances in the public space of universities before making judgments drawing on knowledge from the past, an awareness of the human condition as a basis for science and education, and intelligent inquiry.
ISSN:0013-2004
1741-5446
DOI:10.1111/edth.70083