With Ernie Alleva
This course explores central questions in the philosophy of education: What is education, and what is it for? What is the meaning and value of education to individuals and society? What should the aims of education be? Are there things that everyone should know or be able to do? Should education promote moral virtue? What are alternative methods of education? How should educational opportunities and resources be distributed? What roles should the individual, family, community, and state have in education? What should the role of education be in democratic societies? We will examine alternative perspectives on these and related issues of educational theory and practice. Readings will include selections from a variety of influential historical thinkers, such as Plato, Rousseau, and Dewey, as well as more recent educational theorists and critics.