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Why did John Dewey view growth as the central moral aim of life?

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John Dewey, an older man with glasses and a mustache, sits and reads a document, wearing a suit and tie. — John Dewey John Dewey.

For John Dewey, growth was considered the central moral aim of life because he rejected the notion of fixed, final goals or static perfection. Within his framework of instrumentalism, Dewey argued that moral ideals should not function as ultimate destinations, but rather as hypotheses and tools to guide the deliberative process in resolving problematic situations.1

Dewey believed that life is an ever-enduring process of maturing, refining, and perfecting. By prioritizing growth, he emphasized that the "good" is found in the continuous improvement of conditions and the ongoing development of human potential. This perspective aligns with his view of democracy as a "way of life," where individuals engage in collaborative, experimental inquiry to address common problems.123

Ultimately, for Dewey, the capacity for growth is essential for human flourishing, as it allows individuals to adapt, learn, and contribute to a society that is constantly evolving. Thus, growth itself is the only moral "end" because it sustains the capacity for future intelligent action and meaningful experience.341