Existentialism in Education: What It Means (Philosophy of Education Series)

A personal book that presents its mode of argument as a "memo from author to friend!" Much has happened in the modern world since this book was first published, but Existentialism still survives and flourishes as a viable philosophy of life and education. Its message is still as fresh and straightforward and commanding as it was in the past: (1) The American ethic has always been grounded in self-determination and self-affirmation. This book shows how this ethic can be advanced to its next level of application to American life. (2) The American school has for decades turned its face to the subject-matter curriculum and the problem-solving method, relieving the student of decision making. This book shows how to bring students to the forefront of learning, enjoining them to take charge of their own growth and development. (3) American life is saturated with blaming others for our troubles. This book shows the way back to a world of radical freedom, but each person taking personal responsibility for how he or she lives a human life. Schooling, and Educational Policies (ISBN 0881335231).