How did John Dewey define democracy as a mode of associated life?

In his work Democracy and Education (1916), John Dewey defined democracy as more than just a form of government; he described it as a "mode of associated life."1

As a core tenet of his pragmatism, this concept emphasizes that democracy is an active, collaborative process of social planning and collective action. In this mode of life, citizens engage in the following ways:21

• Cooperative Problem-Solving: Individuals work together to identify and address common problems using rational means, specifically through critical inquiry and experimental methods.21
• Mutual Respect: Participants interact in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect, valuing the exchange of ideas and opinions.1
• Social Intelligence: Dewey viewed this process as a form of "social intelligence," where the community consciously consults to evolve social institutions that promote human flourishing.2
• Continuous Improvement: Democratic institutions are not viewed as static or perfect; rather, they are subject to constant criticism and improvement as historical circumstances and the public interest change.1

Ultimately, Dewey believed this associated life provides the necessary freedom for individual self-development and growth.1