Freedom and the Ethics of Educational Authority

doi:10.1017/9781009188128.010

7 - Freedom and the Ethics of Educational Authority

from Part I - Traditions in Ethics and Education

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 March 2024

Christopher Martin

Edited by

Sheron Fraser-Burgess ,

Jessica Heybach and

Dini Metro-Roland

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Sheron Fraser-Burgess: Affiliation:
Ball State University, Indiana
Jessica Heybach: Affiliation:
Florida International University
Dini Metro-Roland: Affiliation:
Western Michigan University

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Summary

The aim of this chapter is to show how the relationship between education and freedom is informed by the ethics of authority. Freedom is a central human value. Education contributes to our humanity. If human freedom is something valuable for all, and education is necessary for the promotion of this value, then we need an agent – an authority – that can direct our efforts in support of this educational goal. The chapter describes two different justifications of political authority over education that are (plausibly) compatible with an education for human freedom. Each offers a different view on the necessity of educational institutions – and institutional authority more generally – in realizing worthwhile educational goals.

Keywords

freedom political authority paternalism institutions ethics of authority

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Ethics and Education , pp. 125 - 144

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009188128.010 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2024

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7 - Freedom and the Ethics of Educational Authority

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