Understanding Situations: Dewey's Pragmatism and Social Environments

This lecture delves into Dewey's pragmatism, emphasizing the importance of interpreting facts within social discussions. It explores the concept of 'situation' as a dynamic and interconnected part of an experienced world, as defined by Dewey and Goffman. The lecture also discusses the controlled transformation of indeterminate situations into unified wholes, as outlined in Dewey's 'Logic, the Theory of Inquiry'. Furthermore, it examines the situated nature of plans and actions, highlighting their contingency and specificity in different contexts. The specificity of situations is crucial for managing actions and interactions, as individuals or groups adapt based on anticipated and actual actions.