Democratic Ideals and the Valuing of Knowledge in American Education Two Contradictory Tendencies

Analyzes and critiques the relationships between the means and ends of American public education, based upon the premise that policies governing the system of education should be consistent with its social/political philosophy. In America, this means that public education must be based on the fundamental principles of the American democratic ideal: concern for natural rights of freedom and independence for the individual, while ensuring the responsibility of each individual for society as a whole. Postulates that American education at this time is more concerned with institutionalizing a rigid class structure than upholding democratic principles; suggests that the curricula be modified so that they are based on a philosophy of idealism; and encourages students to engage in a life of praxis.