In this paper I explore the little-known Wrst debate, in 1914-19, between John Dewey and Bertrand Russell over the problem of the external world. After outlining their respective arguments, I show how Dewey's criticisms of Russell miss the mark. Although these thinkers largely speak past one another, I argue that Dewey's theory of inference is not only crucial to this exchange but also reveals what is at stake in their disagreement. Unfortunately, Dewey himself never explicitly invoked his

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... nt of inference during this short-lived and ultimately fruitless exchange with Russell. Had he done so, the crucial issue of their diTering criteria of justiWcation would have been raised and their exchange could have been more productive.