[(The Dialectic of Freedom)] [Author: Maxine Greene] published on

by Maxine Greene

Special 2018 EditionFrom the new Introduction by Michelle Fine , Graduate Center, CUNY : Why now, you may ask, should I return to a book written in 1988? Because, in Maxine's 'When freedom is the question, it is always time to begin.'In The Dialectic of Freedom, Maxine Greene argues that freedom must be achieved through continuing resistance to the forces that limit, condition, determine, and--too frequently--oppress.Examining the interrelationship between freedom, possibility, and imagination in American education, Greene taps the fields of philosophy, history, educational theory, and literature in order to discuss the many struggles that have characterized Americans' quests for freedom in the midst of what is conceived to be a free society. Accounts of the lives of women, immigrants, and minority groups highlight the ways in which Americans have gone in search of openings in their lived situations, learned to look at things as if they could be otherwise, and taken action on what they found.Greene presents a unique overview of American concepts and images of freedom from Jefferson's time to the present. She examines the ways in which the disenfranchised have historically understood and acted on their freedom--or lack of it--in dealing with perceived and real obstacles to expression and empowerment. Strong emphasis is placed on the focal role of the arts and art experience in releasing human imagination and enabling the young to reach toward their vision of the possible.The author concludes with suggestions for approaches to teaching and learning that can provoke both educators and students to take initiatives, to transcend limits, and to pursue freedom--not in solitude, but in reciprocity with others, not in privacy, but in a public space.

Genres: Education, Philosophy, Teaching, Nonfiction, Academic

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Erin Reilly-Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this one is hard to understand the writing style of, all of the literary references are really interesting and fun to read about. The tricky part is putting together Greene's somewhat circular thought processes. In some ways, it's a book that you must make sense of own your own- Greene does not spell everything out for you. On the other hand, if you wanted some deep analysis, it'd be fascinating to go through the book and list all the literary references and then try to put together her argument for using each one.

[JwW White · Rating 4 out of 5]

dense, difficult, and powerful

Maxine Greene is a giant in the social sciences and especially in education. She was a monumental thinker who influenced other great thinkers. This book wonderfully explores the limits of a focus on personal freedom compared to a larger and collective struggle for freedom beyond the bounds of the narrow paradigms into which we have all been socialized and conscribed.

[sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

social justice is just another catch phrase these days. . but greene really explores this concept from a variety of angles. i like how she weaves literature with history and educational theory. .

she's a rock star. this book is worth the read, though you may have to reread it after a few years. .

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

God bless Maxine Greene's brittle old bones. I hope she never, ever dies.

[Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating and informative read. I only wonder how much more it would have been if it had been written by a woman of color, but for being written in the 80s it is still inclusive and sensitive.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how many times I read this book it never fails to inpsire me and make me question what we can do to make our demoracy stronger.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense little book but amazing how relevant parts of it remain event though this was written over 30 years ago.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxine Greene is my idol- her voice is a powerful mix of philosophy, literature, and art references. She understand the possibility of freedom for our students. She has changed the world and continues to serve as a role model for all.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt that I did not bring enough background knowledge to the text to completely appreciate all of her points. Each chapter is flooded with references to other authors/titles, most of which I had not read. This is a book that I plan to read again in a year or so.

[Ashley Garner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freedom isn't just being void of responsibility, it is the ability to change the environment through the decisions that are made.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind Blownnnnnnn.....

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Greene takes the reader through a plethora of literary references to support her inquiry into this thing called freedom and its implications for education.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing. Rereading for my dissertation.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it over and over

[Adam]

I disagree with Greene on several ideas that are important to me. Ontology, especially. But we both appreciate multi-perspectival approaches to knowledge, and in the resulting overlap is my appreciation for her work here. She integrates points of view from literature, music, and philosophy, and her primary references are Sartre, Arendt, Dewey, and Merleau-Ponty. Recommended for educators, parents, and caretakers.

[Zach]

The Dialectic of Freedom is filled with transformative power. While negative conceptions of freedom threaten to delude many into thinking they're the only necessary or possible kind of freedom, Maxine Greene offers a lifeline for those who would seek one.

Also, Greene's intellectual power and dexterity is inspiring.