International philosophers of education explore the diverse strands of the liberal tradition in education. Issues covered include social justice, national identity, curriculum, critical thinking and social practices.

Acknowledgements List of Contributors Preface 1. Aims! Whose Aims? Kevin Harris 2. Or what's heaven for? The Importance of Aims in Education Robin Barrow 3. The Aims of Education and the Philosophy of Education: The Pathology of an Argument Peter Gilroy 4. Education Without Aims Paul Standish 5. Liberalism, Citizenship and the Private Interest in Schooling Kenneth Strike 6. Liberalism and Critical Thinking: On the Relation between Political Ideal and an Aim of Education Ben Spiecker and Jan Steutel 7. Autonomy as an Educational Aim Christopher Winch 8. Critical Thinking as an Aim of Education William Hare 9. The Place of National Identity in the Aims of Education Penny Enslin 10. Self Determination as an Educational Aim James Walker 11. The Nature of Educational Aims Paul Hirst 12. Well-Being as an Aim of Education Roger Marples 13. Aiming for a Fair Education: What Use if Philosophy? Morwenna Griffiths 14. Neglected Educational Aims: Moral Seriousness and Social Commitment Richard Pring 15. Reality and Illusion in Rational Curriculum Planning David Carr 16. In Defence of Liberal Aims in Education John White