Educational Dimension of Knowledge and Philosophy

Abstract

Descartes used to speak of epistemic precariousness in philosophy. Yet, such precariousness significantly highlights philosophy's educational dimension. This very dimension, in turn, is true of all knowledge to varying degrees, as well as of different art forms. Nothing compares to exposing students to the plurality and diversity of philosophies, in order to distance them from dogmatic attitudes and from discriminatory and unsympathetic positions, while encouraging a more critical, open-minded and relentless quest for truth. Whereas the educational component is somewhat secondary to all other fields of knowledge, philosophy, by its very nature, is substantially educational. Different types of knowledge in education. Educational values. Education as a fundamental value. Philosophy in education. The learning of autonomy.