Composing the Will to Power: John Dewey on Democratic Rhetorical Education. Issue 4 (7th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crick, Nathan
• Is Part Of: Rhetoric Society quarterly. Volume 46:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 307
• Publication Date: 2016-08-07
• Subjects: critical pedgagogy -- democracy -- Nietzsche -- pragmatism -- rhetorical education; Rhetoric -- Periodicals; 808.005
• DOI: 10.1080/02773945.2016.1198964
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-3945

Abstract

Abstract : In order to highlight the genuinely radical nature of John Dewey's educational and democratic vision this essay articulates a vision of contemporary rhetorical education that is grounded in a pragmatic rereading of Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the "will to power." Drawing from Dewey's treatment of the will to power in Human Nature and Conduct, I argue that rhetorical pedagogy seeks to arouse, channel, and finally compose the impulses of students through the activity of intelligence in such a way that reflects and advocates for students' interests within a democratic ethic of advocacy, criticism, and deliberation.