William H. Kilpatrick is worldwide known as "Mr. Project Method." But the origin of his celebrated paper of 1918 has never been explored. The discovery of a hitherto unknown letter reveals that Kilpatrick was an educational entrepreneur who, without regard for language and tradition, adopted the term "project" and used it in a provocative new way…

This paper compares the founding of the elementary school systems of Ireland and Ontario in the nineteenth century. The systems shared a common set of textbooks that had originated in Ireland. Using examples from a number of these books, which were part of a series that had been specially prepared for the Irish national school system, founded in…

Presents Schweitzer's views on the purposes of education and the role of the teacher. (SJL)

Within the past 20 years, the arts have gained increasing prominence in educational discourses as well as public arenas. At the same time that traditional genres of art (e.g., music, visual art, and performance) are being taught as part of school curricula, the study of the arts in education has taken on new venues in supporting learning and…

The author questions whether the tension between what is "liberal" and what is "useful" is one of the oldest problems in education. (MT)

This book supplies a growing want of busy times, when so many are prevented by the struggles of business from sitting down to the consecutive systematic study of a formal treatise. In the writing of science chapters within this book, the highest literary ambition of the author has always been to combine clearness and simplicity with some attempt…

Distinguishes between different kinds of positivism. Describes three logical positivist doctrines (physicalism, operationalism, and the unity of science) which became interwoven into the behaviorist rhetoric of the 1940s and 1950s. Argues that despite the historical influence of positivist texts, other epistemologies, especially constructivist and…

Briefly reviews the history of the philosophy of education, from the Sophists to John Dewey, in order to explain the development of experiential education and some of its philosophical assumptions. Explains why experiential education is epistemologically sound. (SB)

Traces the development of William Godwin from a writer on political philosophy to both writer and publisher of children's books. Discusses his viewpoints on education and the nature of childhood. (Author/SJL)

Until his retirement in 1982, Philip Phenix exercised significant influence on students at Teachers College, other branches of Columbia University, and the Union and Jewish theological seminaries. The role in which his impact was probably greatest was as philosopher in service to professionals in a wide range of educational settings. (MT)

A review is presented of the differences between Matthew Arnold's and Thomas Huxley's views on liberal education. (CB)

The life and philosophy of William James is discussed. (MM)

The author presents a biography of Antonio Gramsci and discusses the influence of Karl Marx on Gramsci's key ideas concerning mode of production, superstructure, hegemony, consciousness, praxis, and intellectuals. Gramsci's emphasis on adult education for socialism is discussed. (CH)

This selection from John Henry Newman is from a series of discourses he delivered in Dublin in 1852, later appearing in the first part if his classic work, "The Idea of a University." John Henry Newman's university has done its work when its charges can reach outward and grasp the truth. The process goes beyond communication of knowledge to…

Discusses Leo Tolstoy's philosophy of art and shows how he expressed that philosophy in the books he wrote for children. (MKM)