Plato, Utilitarianism and Education

Barrow, Robin

ISBN 10: 0710080441 / ISBN 13: 9780710080448

Published by Routledge Kegan & Paul, 1975

The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR003260343

Synopsis:

Three lines of argument are central to this book: that Plato's views as expounded in the Republic indicate that he was a utilitarian; that utilitarianism is the only acceptable ethical theory; that these conclusions have significant repercussions for education. Throughout the book, the exposition of utilitarianism and the interpretation of the Republic are closely linked, and Dr Barrow is particularly concerned to defend Plato against the criticisms of K. R. Popper, Bertrand Russell and R. H. S. Crossman - the 'liberal-democrats', as he calls them. In two introductory chapters, Dr Barrow assesses the nature of recent Platonic criticism and provides a critical summary of the Republic. He goes on to expound and defend utilitarianism, taking due note of traditional objections to this position in his discussion of the concepts of happiness, freedom and equality. He then examines in greater depth the consequences for education of accepting a utilitarianism position, showing how, for example, from this new standpoint such key terms in the current educational debate as 'autonomy' and 'self-development' must be reassessed as educational objectives. Contents: General Editor's Note; Preface; 1. Introduction: 1a) Plato's critics; 1b) Liberal-democratic philosophy. 2) What the Republic actually says. 3) Preliminary Problems. 4) What is Happiness? 4a) Introduction; 4b) The Concept of Happiness; 4c) Plato, the liberal-democrats and happiness. 5) The Pursuit of Happiness: 5a) That Happiness is Necessarily Pursued; 5b) That Happiness Constitutes the Supreme Moral Principle. 6) Freedom: 6a) Plato, the Liberal-Democrats and Freedom; 6b) Freedom of action, expression and thought; 6c) Indoctrination; 6d) Plato and Indoctrination; 6e) Conclusion. 7) Equality: 7a) The Principle of Equality; 7b) Class and Power; 7c) Equality of Opportunity; 7d) Plato and Equality; 7e) Justice. 8) Education: 8a) Introduction etc

About the Author: Robin Barrow is currently Professor of Philosophy of Education at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Plato, Utilitarianism and Education
Publisher: Routledge Kegan & Paul
Publication Date: 1975
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Good