Political Quotes

John Dewey: And at worst, the alleged instinct and natural endowment appealed to as a causal force themselves represent…

On the record
And at worst, the alleged instinct and natural endowment appealed to as a causal force themselves represent physiological tendencies which have previously been shaped into habits of action and expectation by means of the very social conditions they are supposed to explain.
Said by
John Dewey

Editor's note · Context

Dewey argues that instincts are shaped by social conditions rather than being the original causes of social behavior.

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