The Demands of Liberal Education

By Meira Levinson

Book Overview

What should the aims of education be in a liberal society? Who should exercise control over education? How can children be taught to become good citizens of a pluralistic state? The Demands of Liberal Education seeks to answer these questions by drawing on political theory, philosophy of
education, and empirical research to develop a liberal theory of children's education. Author Meira Levinson argues that contrary to the assumptions of many philosophers, educators, parents, and politicians, the liberal state is obligated as a matter of justice to help all children develop the
capacity for autonomy. Forwarding a provocative new view, Levinson contends that liberal governments should exercise much greater control over schools than they currently maintain.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0199250448
• ISBN13: 9780199250448
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

An exhilerating academic work from a classroom teacher

This book forces educators to consider what it is we do - and whether or not we are on the right path. Of course, most academic books will find fault with American education, but this does a great service by questioning the basic foundation of American education. She does this by asking whether or not we offer a truly liberal education and then, to double the blow she lays out what we must do if we hope to get there.