Read more
This book is an historical narrative of academic appointments, significant personal and collaborative research endeavours, and important editorial and institutional engagements. For forty years Michael Matthews has been a prominent international researcher, author, editor and organiser in the field of 'History, Philosophy and Science Teaching'. He has systematically brought his own discipline training in science, psychology, philosophy of education, and the history and philosophy of science, to bear upon theoretical, curricular and pedagogical issues in science education. The book includes accounts of philosophers who greatly influenced his own thinking and who also were personal friends - Wallis Suchting, Abner Shimony, Robert Cohen, Marx Wartofsky, Israel Scheffler, Michael Martin and Mario Bunge. It advocates the importance of clear writing and avoidance of faddism in both philosophy and in education. It concludes with a proposal for informed and enlightened science teacher education.
List of contents
Chapter 1. Catholic Family and Education.- Chapter 2. Science Degree, Teacher Training and Science Teaching.- Chapter 3. Further Studies: Psychology, Philosophy and Philosophy of Education.- Chapter 4. Teaching at Teachers College and University of New South Wales.- Chapter 5. Political Interlude: Sydney City Council (1980-85).- Chapter 6. History, Philosophy and Science Teaching: The Beginning.- Chapter 7. Constructivism in Science Education and a HPST Roadmap.- Chapter 8. HPS and Worldviews in Science Classrooms.- Chapter 9. Idealism in Cultural Studies and Realism of Mario Bunge.- Chapter 10. Philosophy and HPS in Teacher Education.
About the author
Michael R. Matthews is Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of New South Wales. He has degrees in Geology, Psychology, Philosophy, History and Philosophy of Science, and Philosophy of Education. He has taught in high school, teachers' college and universities; was Foundation Professor of Science Education at the University of Auckland; was Foundation President of the International History, Philosophy and Science Teaching Group; is a Fellow of the Royal Society (New South Wales).
Report
"The book is carefully organized in ten chronological chapters. ... All chapters are filled with stories about how Michael fought for his academic core beliefs. ... Michael Matthew s life is proof that one can remain fascinated and curious about life (or one s profession of choice) and take proud in their accomplishments and contributions to educating society for a different future, more hopeful for humankind." (Giuliano Reis, Science & Education, Vol. 34 (1), 2025)
