On Education

by Harry Brighouse

What is education for? Should it produce workers or educate future citizens? Is there a place for faith schools - and should patriotism be taught? In this compelling and controversial book, Harry Brighouse takes on all these urgent questions and more. He argues that children share four fundamental the ability to make their own judgements about what values to adopt; acquiring the skills that will enable them to become economically self-sufficient as adults; being exposed to a range of activities and experiences that will enable them to flourish in their personal lives; and developing a sense of justice. He criticises sharply those who place the interests of the economy before those of children, and assesses the arguments for and against the controversial issues of faith schools and the teaching of patriotism. Clearly argued but provocative, On Education draws on recent examples from Britain and North America as well as famous thinkers on education such as Aristotle and John Locke. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the present state of education and its future.

Genres: Education, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Academic

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2005

About the author

Professor of Philosophy and Affiliate Professor of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Reviews

[Rachel B]

1.5 stars

Brighouse is clearly an intellectual writing to other intellectuals. The writing is unfriendly to the lay reader.

The author is also very left-wing, as he puts it, and non-religious, and though he tries to be impartial, that's a difficult task, so his biases show.

He made several comments that I thought were insightful and balanced; I appreciated that he made a distinction between education and schooling. He also acknowledged that none of us has as much control over our lives (especially our financial and career situations) as we like to think; and several times lamented that kids today are immersed in a culture that is incredibly materialistic.

However, I strongly disagreed with his assertion that parents don't have a right to educate their children in the way they deem best. (That absolutely is the right of parents while their children are minors.)

The author acted as if parents were able to force adult children into always doing as the parent wished, and his arguments seemed based on an assumption that individuals are incapable of reason and logic unless a formal school (preferably public) teaches them these things; the view just doesn't give enough credit to humans, generally.

[Paula]

Muy útil para adquirir una visión panorámica de los retos de la escuela, o mejor dicho de las políticas educativas, en las sociedades desarrolladas (en particular los casos de USA y UK).

[Jennie]

It's a old-idea book, classic, it's more applied to UK/US education system.

[Noah]

I found the book ideologically uninspired and rhetorically bland

[samar youssef]

Essential for educators

Very easy to read book informative and discussing controversial issues with an easy to the point way,essential for today's educators

[Mike]

Good but general. Brighouse has become somewhat of a central feature in the philosophy of education world. And if you just want to get a sense for what he thinks this is a good place to start. But it is no substitute for his much more thorough "School Choice and Social Justice." Which is a fun read alongside the, now classic, Gutmann text "Democratic Education." Brighouse argues for "autonomy-facilitating" rather than "autonomy-promoting" education. The difference is supposed to be between educating for knowledge and skills vs. educating for virtue. The question is: is this hair-splitting or does something substantial ride on this?

[Scott Burgess]

I really enjoyed the views put forward by Harry Brighouse in this treatment on education and what are in his view the elements best fostered when considering the welfare of children in education systems. His views in particular around heterogeneity in schools were quite challenging; encouraging public schools to welcome other views on education (perhaps more religious) into the fold to widen the experience for the general growing public (and keep them out of privatised schools encouraging their own isolated perspectives). Incredibly enlightening and gave a lot of food for thought against a backdrop of ever increasing division amongst parents.

[Amir]

A great trip into the world of what education should be and what we need to think about when practicing in schools. The main argument of the book is that the purpose of education is to enable children to flourish in their lives. Brighouse not only hammers in this point but also weaves a philosophical narrative about citizenship education, patriotism education, and the roles that parochial schools could play in the reformation of our nation's educational establishment. Easily one of my favorite books about education.

[Chelsey]

I truly believe that in order for any responsible person to endeavor in any sort of teaching position, let that be parenting, mentoring, professorship, or otherwise, it is necessary to read this book. It is short, concise, and has unquestionable value. Even for a person who identifies themselves as none of those things, it is still important to read. It offers insight into the necessities for proper human flourishing and offers a truly wonderful insight into obtaining autonomy through experience, especially (and rightfully) differentiating experiences towards values and moral ethos.

[Leonard Houx]

I was ready to love this book. Especially when Brighouse cited Calvin Schrag as one of his greatest influences. Yet it was somehow just really unsurprising and pedantic. Predictable arguments supporting predictable positions on predictable topics. I mean, the writing isn't bad and the argumentation seems all valid. It's just boring. It could have been amazing.

[Kristi]

Very interesting ideas about the purpose of education. I found it englightening and radical...in a way that was still applicable to the current school system.