Conceptions of Education ( jchanley )

The book begins with a description of major philosophical positions, including Idealism, Realism, Thomism, Naturalism, Pragmatism, Existentialism, and Philosophical Analysis. In addition to providing a brief history of these perspectives, the author offers a useful comparison of them.

Next, the book surveys major political ideologies, including nationalism, liberalism, conservatism, utopianism, Marxism, and totalitarianism. In addition to the historical overviews, the philsophical roots of each of the ideologies is explored.

In both of the overviews of philosophy and ideology, particular attention is given to the educational implications of each of these perspectives.

Finally, the book concludes with descriptions of specific theories of education, including essentialism, perennialism, progressivism, social reconstruction, and critical theory. Again, these theories are traced back to their philosophical and ideological roots. In addition, current manifestations of each of the educational theories are offerred.

The book is especially valuable for scholars of education. However, it also useful for anyone who wants a concise overview and comparison of different approaches to philosophy and political ideology.