Public education at the beginning of the 20th century held the promise to produce a vigorous democratic public life. Quickly, though, powerful elites took control of public education to implement a factory model of schooling that has failed public life. we are at a turning point in the history of democratic public life and public education, and that we must re-imagine, re-design and re-invent the current system. Promises to Keep looks to the confluence of schooling, cultural life and the public sphere to envision what education can and should be in the future.

In this book, two well-known scholars of critical educational studies provide a compelling introduction to the thoughts of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and German critical theorist Jurgen Habermas. While there are many other books about these influential thinkers, this is the first to compare their theories in-depth and situate their thinking in relation to other social theories and philosophies of education. The authors demonstrate that, despite their differences, these philosophers share crucial views on science, society, critical social psychology, and educational praxis that are...

In this book, two well-known scholars of critical educational studies provide a compelling introduction to the thoughts of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and German critical theorist Jurgen Habermas. While there are many other books about these influential thinkers, this is the first to compare their theories in-depth and situate their thinking in relation to other social theories and philosophies of education. The authors demonstrate that, despite their differences, these philosophers share crucial views on science, society, critical social psychology, and educational praxis that are...