ABSTRACT

This introductory text, now in its fifth edition, is a classic in its field. It shows, first and foremost, the importance of philosophy in educational debate and as a background to any practical activity such as teaching. What is involved in the idea of educating a person or the idea of educational success? What are the criteria for establishing the optimum balance between formal and informal teaching techniques? How trustworthy is educational research? In addition to these questions, which strike to the heart of the rationale for the educative process as a whole, the authors explore such concepts as culture, creativity, autonomy, indoctrination, needs, interests, and learning by discovery. Updates to this edition include new chapters on religious education and moral education, as well as questions for reflection at the end of each chapter.

chapter 1|9 pages

On Reading This Book

chapter 2|12 pages

Thinking about the Educational System

chapter 3|7 pages

What is it to be Human?

chapter 4|13 pages

Do We Need Schools?

chapter 5|11 pages

Needs and Interests

chapter 6|10 pages

The Concept of Education

chapter 7|15 pages

Knowledge: What is Worth Studying

chapter 8|9 pages

Curriculum Theory

chapter 9|12 pages

Religion and Religious Education

chapter 10|14 pages

Morality and Moral Education

chapter 11|11 pages

Indoctrination

chapter 12|13 pages

Rationality

chapter 13|10 pages

Critical Thinking and Other Skills

chapter 14|15 pages

Freedom and Autonomy

chapter 15|8 pages

Relativism: The Challenge to Reason

chapter 16|12 pages

Creativity

chapter 17|19 pages

Multiculturalism and Racism

chapter 18|16 pages

Culture

chapter 19|12 pages

Research into Teaching

chapter 20|7 pages

Conclusion: Theory and Practice