Final answer:
Dewey believed a theory of experience was necessary to validate ideas through empirical knowledge while acknowledging innate thought categories. His instrumentalism viewed education as a way to seek truth and societal improvement, promoting a dynamic understanding of reality and ethics inclusive of diverse perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Dewey argues that we need a theory of experience because experience is fundamental to our understanding of reality, knowledge, and ethics. Dewey's pragmatic philosophy suggests that ideas and concepts must be tested through experience to be validated. This approach to philosophy values empirical knowledge, but also recognizes the importance of innate categories of thought, as suggested by Kant, to fully grasp the complexity of experience. Dewey's instrumentalism extends this idea to education, envisioning it as a tool for truth-seeking and improvement in society.
Moreover, the inclusion of a range of experiences, especially those from diverse or marginalized perspectives, is crucial in developing a more comprehensive and inclusive philosophical standpoint. This allows the philosophy to evolve with the changing experiences and to resonate with a wider audience. Thus, the theory of experience helps in promoting a dynamic and progressive understanding of well-being, ethics, and reality that aligns with everyday lived experiences and moves beyond abstract and potentially biased conceptualizations.