Governing the Commons like a Pragmatist: The Case of John Dewey

Abstract

As a result of the process of neoliberal policies, commons have been in a state of enclosure and exploitation. That kept the debate on governing the commons very much alive. This paper examines what John Dewey can contribute to the debate through his method of inquiry. As part of his method, we will examine mechanisms such as public deliberation and democratic experimentalism. In addition, his contribution to the re-conceptualization of the commons will be discussed.