The Role of Science in Democracy: John Dewey as a Foil to Frank Knight

Abstract Frank Knight—known primarily for his contributions to neoclassical economic theory—was, throughout his career, more concerned with expressing the boundaries of that theory. His preoccupation with democracy motivated his constant admonitions about the limitations of economic science for the purpose of social reform. It makes sense, then, that John Dewey's scientific conception of democracy elicited a strong reaction in Knight. Knight's foundational concerns, and some of his more enigmatic views, can be better understood with reference to his criticism of Dewey. The basic lesson Knight wanted to express to the economics profession, and to the public generally, is that the kind of intelligence that is relevant in addressing social problems is different from the kind embodied in the scientific method.