This textbook seeks to explore the purpose and values of the philosophy of education, and specific issues of contemporary relevance. Unlike many other texts on the subject, "The Philosophy of Education: An Introduction" is fundamentally about the activity of philosophizing and not about (mostly long-dead) philosophers. With this goal in mind, contributors have been selected who are capable of bringing the Philosophy of Education to life for the reader. All are respected as philosophers in their own right, and they write in an accessible and engaging manner. The chapters are not position statements that express one viewpoint at the expense of others; rather, they provide an overview of a topic, including reference to central concepts and discussion of major debates. Each chapter: explains and summarises the main concepts and discussions in a particular area of debate; includes extracts from philosophical writing, followed by questions that guide the reader to engage critically and actively with the text; refers, where appropriate, to current events or topics; and, ends with a bibliographic section that guides the reader towards further reading, and suggests next steps and more challenging sources, or counter-pointed arguments. "The Philosophy of Education: An Introduction" is primarily for students studying education studies and teacher education. It will also appeal to practising teachers who wish to engage with philosophical approaches to contemporary educational issues, and to educationalists who are looking for a succinct guide to philosophical perspectives on educational theory and practice.

This textbook seeks to explore the purpose and values of the philosophy of education, and specific issues of contemporary relevance.

About the Author
Richard Bailey is a writer and theorist on education and sport. A former teacher in both Primary and Secondary Schools and a teacher trainer, he has been a Professor at Canterbury, Roehampton and most recently Birmingham Universities.

Reviews
'Bailey has brought together a scholarly, lucid and balanced collection of essays that survey and discuss some of the key issues in contemporary philosophy of education. The collection is refreshing, engaging, and serious. I highly recommend it.'James Arthur, Editor of the British Journal of Educational Studies, and Professor of Education and Civic Engagement, University of Birmingham, UK
'This exciting text breaks new ground in its approach to philosophy of education in its modelling of the activity of philosophizing. Provocative and thought-provoking chapters by internationally esteemed education philosophers offer readers conceptual tools with which to consider important contemporary questions, policies and practices in education. It is a book that will appeal to students and educators who wish to develop a scholarly and critical orientation to issues in education.'Kathy Hall, Professor of Education and Head of the School of Education, University College Cork, Ireland
'This book is a very clear and accessible invitation to parents, students and teachers alike to reflect upon a variety of pressing concepts and issues that (in)form educational debates. Each chapter is a concise expression of its chosen subject matter that is both historically important within educational policy and practice, and which is exemplified in reference to contemporary issues and contexts.' Mike McNamee, Professor of Applied Ethics, Swansea University, UK
This is a useful text for those who question how our education system has come to be dominated by the language of "performance", "targets" and "delivery". -- Learning and Teaching Update
Accessible and focused. Provides a solid foundation for undergraduate students. * Paul Brooks, Lecturer in Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University *



Book Information
ISBN 9781847060198
Author Professor Richard Bailey
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 428g