ABSTRACT
Implicit in every educational decision is a fundamental choice. This chapter outlines a philosophical case for self-determination as the fundamental educational aim, a case which is consistent with contemporary theory of human development and knowledge about the conditions for optimal learning. It presents an account of self-determination as constituted by the dispositions to authentic self-expression, management of one’s own learning, and creation of the conditions for further, enhanced self-determination. Education for self-determination does not entail the use of any particular educational method. In contemporary English-language educational philosophy there has been little or no discussion of self-determination as an educational aim. The liberating power of education comes from agreements between people to learn together.
