Exploring the Hidden Assumptions in Education

Learning Outcomes

- Introduction to the philosophy of education An overview of the key thinkers, topics, and approaches to philosophical reasoning - The meaning and purposes of education Explore the rationale and various aims underlying education for individuals and societies - Ethical theories and their application in education Examine leading ethical theories in education and how they inform educational policy and practice - Pedagogical neutrality, indoctrination, and moral education Consider the ways teaching and education can encounter problems of moral, religious, and political bias - Conceptions of teaching and the teacher Explore conceptions and metaphors of teaching as an art and a science - Philosophical approaches to education and the Socratic method Examine how philosophical methods and philosophy as a subject can be incorporated into education - Evaluating knowledge and truth claims in education Investigate what counts as "legitimate" knowledge/subjects and how to evaluate different sources of evidence relevant to education - Eastern educational philosophy Delve into the philosophical traditions of the East and how they influence educational thinking and practice - Justice, freedom, and equality in education Consider issues of justice/injustice in education and how education can contribute to freedom and equality - Democracy and education Examine the relationship between and contribution of education to democracy, including an overview of the citizens' assembly process - Addressing educational and social problems using philosophy Students will work together to solve an educational or social problem using philosophical approaches

The various teaching methods to be used during the module will be applied and modified depending on the circumstances, students, and content being addressed. Some of these teaching methods may include scenario-based pedagogy, Socratic dialogues/methods, debates, lectures, jigsaw and cooperative learning approaches, group discussions, and inquiry-based learning. Both in-person and online activities will be organised during the course of the module. There will be a two hour in-person session each week of the module.