An Introduction to Philosophy of Education - Hardcover

Barrow, Robin; Woods, Ronald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415381274 ISBN 13: 9780415381277

Publisher: Routledge, 2006

Synopsis

This introductory text, now in its fourth edition, is a classic in its field. It shows, first and foremost, the importance of philosophy in educational debate and as a background to any practical activity such as teaching. What is involved in the idea of educating a person or the idea of educational success? What are the criteria for establishing the optimum balance between formal and informal teaching techniques? How trustworthy is educational research? In addition to these questions, which strike to the heart of the rationale for the educative process as a whole, the authors explore such concepts as culture, creativity, autonomy, indoctrination, needs, interests and learning by discovery.

In this new updated edition, the authors draw on the latest research in genetics to argue that education is uniquely human and is essentially what develops us as humans. Resisting modern tendencies to equate knowledge with opinion, and value judgements with taste, this book leads the reader into the business of philosophising and champions the cause of reason in education.

About this title

About the Author:

Robin Barrow teaches at Simon Fraser University. Ronald Woods, until recently, taught at the University of Leicester.

Review:

Praise for the previous edition:

'Well written, accessible to students with no previous background in philosophy... an excellent introduction.' - The Times Higher Education Supplement

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0415381274
• ISBN 13: 9780415381277
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 224