Chapter 17: Science in the course of study

Of course, the attitude expressed toward science in yesterday's entry was toward the content knowledge of a science curriculum, and not toward the scientific method itself which represents "the perfecting of knowing, its last stage" (p. 179), and is of high value. In chapter 17, Dewey reiterates a familiar theme: the important of acquiring knowledge through a journey of inquiry--the psychological approach of walking the land--rather than by the logical approach of only looking at a map. "The mass of pupils are never going to become scientific specialists" (p. 180) even today when these represent many of the most lucrative occupations in our society; but to be comfortable with the scientific method, and to see it as the playing out of curiosity is something that will generate lifelong interest as well as capacity in scientific specialist and non-specialist alike.