Philosophy Of Education - Softcover

Our nation's schools have always been contested turf but perhaps never more so than in today's volatile environment. Educational policy and educational values have never been more controversial, and the schools themselves are under attack from many different directions.The role of philosophy of education in such an environment is not to dictate answers. Rather, it must foster understanding of the philosophical issues underlying contemporary debates. In this survey, Nel Noddings provides the essential background necessary for a more sophisticated and nuanced comprehension of the issues. Philosophy of Education is designed for general students of education who need to know something about philosophical thought and its exercise in teaching, learning, research, and educational policy. It assumes no previous training in philosophy. Ranging broadly from the great historical figures through John Dewey to contemporary representatives of both analytic and Continental traditions, it is always fair-minded, generous, and undogmatic. Attractive features are the author's nondoctrinaire feminism, her commitment to the empowerment of students, and her coverage of the most recent trends in educational thought.This is an essential book not just for teachers and for future teachers but for anyone needing a survey of contemporary trends in the philosophy of education.

Nel Noddings is Lee L. Jacks Professor of Education at Stanford University. She has taught at the elementary, junior high, senior high, and college levels and has served as acting dean of the School of Education at Stanford University. In addition to many articles and reviews on a broad range of educational issues, her works include Caring: A Feminine Approach to Ethics and Moral Education, Women and Evil, The Challenge to Care in Schools, Educating for Intelligent Belief or Unbelief, Starting at Home: Caring and Social Policy, Educating Moral People, Happiness and Education, Educating Citizens for Global Awareness, and Critical Lessons: What Our Schools Should Teach .