Inhalt
This textbook provides an up to date, accessible introductory account of the philosophy of education with a focus on the conceptual and normative questions raised by educational policy and practice. The key concepts explored in this book include learning, teaching, indoctrination, knowledge, equality, intelligence, virtue, and rights. Getting clear on the meanings of these words is vital if we are to explain what we are doing and why as educators. Such conceptual analysis helps us when it comes to the normative questions which have to do with what should or should not be done, educationally speaking.
Each chapter firstly examines one key concept which is then connected to a theorised aim of education. The aims considered are rationality (i.e. critical thinking), epistemic, social justice, vocational, flourishing, and political (i.e. citizenship). These aims of education are all hotly debated so their strengths and weaknesses will be considered. Each chapter concludes with a third section connecting the key concept and aim of education under discussion to an applied example.
The applied examples include religious schools, attainment gaps in education, the educational impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the curriculum, teaching ethics in schools as a form of moral education, and citizenship education. These applied examples are drawn from vital social and political issues within education. By critically engaging with and then building upon extant literature, this book will demonstrate how conceptual and normative issues within education have real world implications. Such arguments are treated in an analytical philosophical manner and thus engage readers and scholars from philosophy departments and those with a background in education.
At the end of each chapter, there will be pedagogical resources designed to support the teacher and the student using this textbook. These include a chapter summary, a list of suggested recommended and further readings and online resources, as well as a list of study and research questions.
Laura D'Olimpio is Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education at the University of Birmingham, UK.
Jane Gatley is Lecturer in Education at Swansea University, UK.
Ruth Wareham is Lecturer in Philosophy of Education at the University of Birmingham, UK.