This book introduces students to the broad social, political, and philosophical questions surrounding education theory and practice. Examining five of the most influential philosophers of all time—Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Rousseau, and Dewey—the text provides insight into historical theories of education that have shaped contemporary ideas and debates. By engaging with important thinkers in the philosophical tradition, readers will be better equipped to critically evaluate the role and meanings of education in their own lives, both as students and as teachers.Written in an accessible tone, Foundations of Education engages the reader and invites dialogue and reflection. Each chapter includes excerpts from philosophical writings, learning activities, and discussion questions, and the book also features a glossary of key terms. This volume is ideally suited to undergraduate courses in the philosophy of education and general education theory.

Jason C. Robinson is assistant professor in ContemporaryStudies at Wilfrid Laurier University in Brantford, Ontario,and coeditor of Philosophical Apprenticeships:Contemporary Continental Philosophy in Canada.

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"I like the book’s historical approach, its accessible writing style, and also its brevity. It combines well with primary reading material by these five philosophers and provides a good overall introduction both to these five and to the discipline."
—Paul Fairfield, Department of Philosophy, Queen’s University

"[The] text is written in a lively and engaging manner that will prove attractive to students, with a style and tone that will indeed render it accessible. I find the historical approach—which is definitely a distinctive feature of this text—to be overwhelmingly valuable."— “Jeff Mitscherling, Department of Philosophy, University of Guelph