Education and Civic Ideals

This course explores classic philosophical debates about education as a foundation for civic life. From Plato to Dewey, we'll consider how thinkers have connected learning to freedom, virtue, and participation in the common good. Topics include who should guide education--the state, parents, or civic society--and whether education should aim to perfect the individual, strengthen society, or reconcile the two. Through close reading and discussion, students will examine how theories of education shape policies, democratic citizenship, and public discourse.