Plato, Utilitarianism and Education International Library of the - Philosophy of Education Volume

Three lines of argument are central to this book: that Plato's views as expounded in the Republic indicate that he was a utilitarian; that utilitarianism is the only acceptable ethical theory; that these conclusions have significant repercussions for education.

List of contents

1. Introduction. 2. What the Republic Actually Says. 3. Preliminary Problems. 4. What is Happiness? 5. The Pursuit of Happiness. 6. Freedom. 7. Equality. 8. Education.

About the author

Robin Barrow

Summary

Three lines of argument are central to this book: that Plato's views as expounded in the Republic indicate that he was a utilitarian; that utilitarianism is the only acceptable ethical theory; that these conclusions have significant repercussions for education. Throughout the book the exposition of utilitarianism and the interpretation of the Republic are closely linked. The author assesses the nature of recent Platonic criticism and provides a critical summary of the Republic. He expounds and defends utilitarianismn and examines in greater depth the consequences for education of accepting a utilitarian position, showing how, for example, from this standpoint such key terms in educational debate as 'autonomy' and 'self-development' must be reassessed as educational objectives.

Product details

• Authors: Robin Barrow, Robin (Simon Fraser University Barrow, Barrow Robin
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 13.07.2012
• EAN: 9780415650885
• ISBN: 978-0-415-65088-5
• No. of pages: 224
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Education > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Dictionaries, reference works; EDUCATION / General, REFERENCE / General, Philosophy, EDUCATION / Philosophy, Theory & Social Aspects, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Reference, Philosophy & theory of education, Philosophy and theory of education, Indian record