Philosophy of Education: Issues and Options

by Michael L. Peterson

With All Your Mind makes a compelling case for the value of thinking deeply about education in America from a historically orthodox and broadly ecumenical Christian point of view. Few people dispute that education in America is in a state of crisis. But not many have posed workable solutions to this serious problem. Michael Peterson contends that thinking philosophically about education is our only hope for meaningful progress. In this refreshing book, he invites all who are concerned about education in America to "participate" in his study, which analyzes representative theories and practical strategies that reveal the power of Christian ideas in this vital area. Peterson addresses the most fundamental questions facing educators, and society in general, such as: What is the purpose of education? What goals do new techniques and methods serve? What kind of person is our educational system supposed to produce? He also explores questions of unique importance to Christians, such as: What is the relation between Christianity and the pursuit of intellectual excellence? How can Christians bring their faith to bear on all areas of knowledge? Can educated Christians significantly influence culture? With All Your Mind examines the key assumptions and implications of influential classical and contemporary philosophies with respect to education, including idealism, naturalism, Thomism, experimentalism, existentialism, linguistic analysis, and postmodernism. Based on this analysis, Peterson develops an unapologetically Christian philosophy of education in regard to curriculum design, instilling ethics and values, and the nature of teaching and learning. Peterson shows how an ecumenicalChristian philosophy of education can be used to analyze the relation of general education to liberal learning, the integration of faith and learning, and the demand for professional and technical training. Peterson's approach also brings balance and common sense to issues such as the clash between public and private education, the rise of multiculturalism, the changing demographic and psychological profile of America's youth, and the impact of computer and Internet technology.

Genres: Education, Philosophy

154 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1986

Reviews

[Ruby Ramgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much appreciated this book. He provided a lot of interesting and helpful insights on the current state of education. A few of the chapters were devoted to explaining different philosophies that have influenced education, and he explained them in such a way that you could see the pros and cons before he evaluated it. Some of his data is outdated, but most of his points are still relevant. He writes on a lot of parts of education that are also just important things to know to live life as a Christian. It was very good and fascinating.

[Daniel Stepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview of the philosophy of education and accompanying philosophies. One idea that will stick with me forever--the Christian mind (in the sense of the faithful individual Christian in academia) exists, but the Christian mind (in the sense of a community of Christians in harmony who are a powerful and respectable force in academia) does not.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My passion for classical education renewed.

[Reader2007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found ed.