This volume provides the most comprehensive and systematiccollection of essential writings on the philosophy of education.Offering a balanced treatment of the fundamental questions andphilosophical issues regarding the nature and aims of education, aswell as the central debates in current educational policy, thisbook explores topics such as teacher professionalism andaccountability, the commercialization of schooling, multiculturaleducation, parental choice, educational equality and disabilities, and curricular controversies. Selected for their focus on important issues of educationalpractice as well as their philosophical merit and readability, thereadings include seminal selections from Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, and Dewey, as well as numerouscontemporary writings. The five major sections of the textcorrespond to the five basic normative dimensions of educationalpractice: its nature and aims, the authority it rests on, itsresponsibilities, the manner in which it is conducted, and thecontent that is communicated or learned. This innovative frameworkgives the collection its comprehensive scope, while keeping thefocus on the fundamental philosophical issues of educationalpractice and policy.
"Philosophy of Education: An Anthology is a major contribution to philosophy of education. There are now quite a few large volumes on the subject. All have their virtues, but none of them lend themselves easily to introductory and mid-level courses in philosophy of education. This new anthology, edited with wisdom, judgment and deep knowledge of the field by Randall Curren, is perfect for this purpose. In virtue of its excellent content, range, accessibility, and flexibility, it will quickly become the standard anthology for the field." Harvey Siegel, University of Miami