ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basic shift in thinking about evil. It considers the influence of agnosticism, evolutionary theory, pacifism, socialism, and movements such as the Social Gospel on that thinking. The chapter then discusses the impact of this new way of thinking about evil on American educational theory and practice. Despite his prominence and the power of his words, George Counts's recommendations had little direct effect on educational practice, but other educational leaders took up the cause of social reform, prominent among them Harold Rugg. Rugg's attempt to use the social studies as a means of raising the consciousness of students about social problems evoked a storm of controversy. The contrast between the Rugg curriculum and traditional curricula was dramatic. The secular humanistic view of evil espoused by the social reconstructionists and socialists constituted a threat not only to the political and business establishments but also to traditional religion.
