Philosophy through Design proposes a new approach to design practice grounded in a philosophical reflection in and on action, with alignments being drawn to the democratic pragmatism of John Dewey and Jane Addams as well as key contemporary philosophic perspectives. Throughout, Dixon stresses the need for designers to engage critically, ethically and reflectively as they seek to meet the complex challenges of the 21st century. The key argument is that design practice can itself become a mode of philosophical inquiry, supporting designers’ efforts to experiment, reflect and act responsibly and make and remake the ever-evolving future as potential ‘designer philosophers’.

Philosophy through Design creates a bold proposal for designer philosophers who bring design and philosophy together to address existential concerns we are facing today. In his tour de force, Brian
Dixon develops this urgently needed character through a study of design, pragmatism, feminism and eco-philosophy.

* Ilpo Koskinen, Professor of Design, University of New South Wales, Australia *
An essential read for anyone wanting to activate philosophy and close the gap between design practitioners and academics. * Danielle Lake, Director of Design Thinking and Associate Professor of Human Service Studies, Elon University, USA *
Some design practice has re-oriented to address today’s urgent problems, their histories and their futures. But alongside this busy doing, new thinking is needed. This book contributes to that by charting a course for scholarship and practice in philosophy through design. * Lucy Kimbell, Professor of Contemporary Design Practices, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, UK *

Brian Dixon, a practicing designer researcher, is Head of Belfast School of Art at Ulster University, UK. His previous books include Dewey and Design (2020) and Philosophy and Making Things Happen (2023).