1. What is a philosophy of education, and why should it be important to you?
Behind every school and every teacher is a philosophy of education that reflects the purpose of schooling and the role of the teacher.

2. How do teacher-centered philosophies of education differ from student-centered philosophies of education?
Teacher-centered philosophies, like essentialism and perennialism, are traditional and emphasize the values and knowledge that have survived through time. Student-centered philosophies focus on individual needs, contemporary relevance, and a future orientation.

3. What are some major philosophies of education in the United States today?
Essentialists emphasize a strong core curriculum, while perennialists value Great Books and stress eternal truths. Progressivists focus on the needs of the students, while social reconstructionists directly confront societal ills. Existentialism focuses on the need for students to shape their own futures.

4. How are these philosophies reflected in school practices?
Essentialism and perennialism give teachers the power to choose the curriculum and construct classroom activities. Progressivism, social reconstructionism, and existentialism focus on student interests and view the teacher as a guide.

5. What are some of the psychological and cultural factors influencing education?
Constructivist teachers carefully orchestrate cues, classroom activities, and penetrating questions to push students to higher levels of understanding. Skinner "teaches" behavior through an extrinsic reward system. Informal and oral education offer useful insights from non-Western cultures.

6. What were the contributions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle to Western philosophy, and how are their legacies reflected in education today?
Socrates used persistent questions to help students clarify their thoughts (Socratic Method). Plato crafted eloquent dialogues that present different philosophical positions. Aristotle provided a synthesis of Plato's belief in the universal, spiritual forms and a scientist's belief in the physical world.

7. How do metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, and logic factor into a philosophy of education?
Metaphysics poses curricular choices: Should we study the natural world, or focus on spiritual or ideal forms? Epistemology influences teaching methods and asks how we know? Ethics is the study of what is "good" or "bad" in human behavior. Political philosophy asks: How will a classroom be organized, and what will that say about who wields power? Aesthetics raises the issue: What works are valuable?