Although many agree that all teaching rests on a theory of knowledge, this is an in-depth exploration of the philosophy of mathematics for education. Building on the work of Lakatos and Wittgenstein, it challenges the notion that mathematical knowledge is absolute.

Introduction, Rationale, The Philosophy of Mathematics Education Part 1 The Philosophy of Mathematics 1 A Critique of Absolutist Philosophies of Mathematics 2 The Philosophy of Mathematics Reconceptualized 3 Social Constructivism as a Philosophy of Mathematics 4 Social Constructivism and Subjective Knowledge 5 The Parallels of Social Constructivism Part 2 The Philosophy of Mathematics Education 6 Aims and Ideologies of Mathematics Education 7 Groups with Utilitarian Ideologies 8 Groups with Purist Ideologies 9 The Social Change Ideology of the Public Educators 10 Critical Review of Cockcroft and the National Curriculum 11 Hierarchy in Mathematics, Learning, Ability and Society 12 Mathematics, Values and Equal Opportunities 13 Investigation, Problem Solving and Pedagogy