Art as experience: The concept of aesthetic education by John Dewey

The subject of this paper is John Dewey's ideas about art and his concept of aesthetic education. Within this frame, the authors study the aesthetic aspect in Dewey's pragmatic concept of education linked specifically to the educational work of museums. The aim is to examine Dewey's theory of aesthetic experience and the influence that this theory had on the development of the educational function of art museums. As the most significant the paper stresses Dewey's pragmatic approach to art as a righteous and correct way to democracy. It is about belief that changing perception, increasing interestedness and moral sensitivity stimulate thought and action related to social role and responsibility. In that context the conclusion is that Dewey had profound influence on modern philosophy of education in museums, and that his idea that art education contributes to better understanding of man and society and to the development of democracy still remains a challenge that faces educational systems.