Why did John Dewey stress cooperation in solving public problems?

For John Dewey, cooperation was essential to solving public problems because he viewed democracy not merely as a form of government, but as a "mode of associated life" and a process of "social intelligence."12

Dewey stressed cooperation for several key reasons:

• Rational Problem-Solving: He believed that citizens must work together to address common challenges through rational means, specifically critical inquiry and experimental action, rather than relying on static or absolute dogmas.12
• Collective Intelligence: Because democratic norms and procedures are fallible, Dewey argued that individuals must consult one another to identify and rectify social defects. This collaborative process allows for the revision of views and the testing of ideas as "instruments" to improve social conditions.23
• Human Flourishing: Dewey contended that individuals can only reach their fullest potential within a social democracy where they actively participate in the control and direction of their common life. Cooperation fosters the mutual respect and public-spiritedness necessary for achieving the common good.12

Ultimately, Dewey believed that by engaging in dialogue and cooperative inquiry, citizens could collectively direct social processes toward human benefit.123