Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed an understanding of existential thought and its contribution to educational theory and practice.
Synopsis Existential philosophy has had a wide influence in many fields; in this program its relevance to education will be the subject of attention. The subject will introduce the main themes of existential philosophy, and look into its role as a critique of modern thought and modern society. It will go on to deal in more depth with the positions taken by the major existential thinkers on a number of particular philosophical problems. This part of the subject will involve examination of important texts; however it will not be assumed that students have had previous experience in philosophy. The subject will ask how existential thinking is to be applied to educational theory and practice. Can it provide us with new and valuable insights into problems about authority and freedom, moral education, teaching as a personal relation, the school as an institution, and the general aims of education? These and other topics will be discussed.
Assessment Written (one 4000-word assignment or two assignments totalling 4000 words): 100% + Seminar presentation