Advanced Topics in Philosophy II

Topic for Spring 2026: Philosophy of Education. As a student, you almost certainly have thought deeply about the philosophy of education before: Is education primarily about learning facts? To what degree should education be standardized or individualized? Should teachers be neutral about contested moral issues? What is the difference between education for liberation and indoctrination? What is the appropriate authority relation between a teacher and a student? Do grades help or hinder education? Do you get an education primarily to get a job or rather to be a good person and citizen? Are STEM subjects and humanities equally important? What degree of education is required of citizens in a healthy democracy? In this course, we will address these and other philosophical questions by delving into the thought of classic figures in the philosophy of education, including Plato, Rousseau, Dewey, and Freire. We will also engage with contemporary insights from education theorists and psychologists. By the end of the course, you will develop a deeper and richer sense of education’s role in your life and your broader community.