Here international philosophers of education explore and question diverse strains of the liberal tradition, discussing not only autonomy but other key issues such as:
* social justice
* national identity
* curriculum
* critical thinking
* social practices.
The contributors write from a variety of standpoints, offering many interpretations of what liberalism might mean in educational terms.

This collection aims to explore different conceptions of epistemological inquiry and their influence on pedagogy and the curricular content of primary and secondary education. It is arguable that curriculum policy makers have continued to subscribe to a foundationalist paradigm of rational educational planning. This is, however, considered largely untenable by educational philosophers in light of the impact of 'postmodern' philsophical critiques on the notions of objectivity, truth and authority in our claims for knowledge. This volume fills a major gap in the current literature of...

Linking theoretical methods in the philosophy of education with their application in the real world of educating children, this collection of writings focuses on the topical area of children's rights as a basis for investigation.

The concepts of autonomy and of critical thinking are of key importance in many contemporary accounts of the aims of education. Education, Autonomy and Critical Thinking analyzes their relationship to each other and to education, explores their roles in mortality and politics, and examines the part critical thinking has to play in fulfilling the educational aim of preparing young people for autonomy.

Assessing the significance of the concern with critical rationality as a key intellectual component for a worthwhile life involving autonomy, this book also examines important...

With debates on the relationship between cultural diversity and the role of schools raging on both sides of the Atlantic, the time is apt for a philosophical work that shines new light on the issues involved and that brings a fresh perspective to a political and emotive discussion.

Here Burtonwood brings the writing of British philosopher Isaiah Berlin to bear on the subject of multiculturalism in schools, the first time that his work has been applied to matters of education.

Tackling the often-contradictory issues surrounding liberal pluralism, this book poses serious...

Although there have been a few historical accounts of the anarchist school movement, there has been no systematic work on the philosophical underpinnings of anarchist educational ideas - until now.

Anarchism and Education offers a philosophical account of the neglected tradition of anarchist thought on education. Although few anarchist thinkers wrote systematically on education, this analysis is based largely on a reconstruction of the educational thought of anarchist thinkers gleaned from their various ethical, philosophical and popular writings. Primarily drawing...