ABSTRACT
The view that I shall put forward is that utilitarianism is the only acceptable ethical theory and that this was recognised by Plato in the Republic. What is particularly important about Plato is his ability to take a comprehensive view of the logical consequences for society of his ethical standpoint, and hence his ability to consider education in the context of ethical, social and political considerations rather than in isolation. Stated simply his ethical and political philosophy is based upon the principle that all men are equally entitled to happiness and that consequently provision should be made for the happiness of all men in the ideal state. This ultimate moral principle has the immediate consequence for education that its prime object should be to produce adults who may successfully contribute to the happiness of the whole community, while themselves enjoying happiness within that community. This in lurn leads to the view that the claims of freedom must be subordinated to the claims of happiness and consequently (if the argument is accepted) that various terms currently lauded in educational circles that are essentially regarded as desirable under the aegis of freedom, such as 'autonomy' and 'self-development', have to be reassessed as educational objectives.
