Overview

Synthesizing ideas from such disparate thinkers as educator Maria Montessori, philosophers John Dewey and Ayn Rand, and Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises, Montessori, Dewey, and Capitalism presents a philosophy of education-the theory of concentrated attention and independent judgment-that requires laissez-faire capitalism for its full realization. It is not an argument, except indirectly, for the separation of education and state nor is it a critique of present and past state-run schooling. It is an argument for the abolition of coercion in all areas of life. What is the ideal education system? asks the author. One that rejects the premise of obedience to authority. Not just in teaching, but also in parenting and in all social relations. Just as an ideal social system would allow citizens to pursue their values without interruption or control from an outside authority, namely the state, so also the ideal education system should allow children and students to concentrate without interruption on the learning tasks that interest them.The adult guides and nurtures the young, neither coercing nor neglecting them, to develop the confidence and independence required for an adult life in a capitalist society.

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9780978780326

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Reviews

Kirkpatrick's book is immensely valuable and stimulating in opening up new possibilities. . . . must reading for those interested in the philosophy of education and for anyone who cares about a free society. --David Gordon, Reason Papers This is one of the most original, intriguing and provocative books on education I have come across in a long while. --Ron Miller, Education Revolution: The Magazine of Educational Alternatives . . . a vast amount of historical, philosophical, and psychological material [that] present[s] a truly original theory of learning. --Marsha Enright, The New Individualist . . . significant and original . . . This historically - and philosophically-informed book will repay close reading. --Stephen R. C. Hicks, Professor of Philosophy, Rockford College Fascinating read! . . . the most systematic, well organized discussion of its subject matter on the market today. --Tibor R. Machan, R. C. Hoiles Chair in Business Ethics and Free Enterprise, Chapman University a provocative synthesis of the educational philosophies --Dennis Attick and Deron Boyles, Education & Culture a refreshing perspective relative to education and culture in today's society --G. D. Albear, Assistant Professor of Education, Eastern Illinois University

Kirkpatrick's book is immensely valuable and stimulating in opening up new possibilities. . . . must reading for those interested in the philosophy of education and for anyone who cares about a free society. --David Gordon, Reason Papers This is one of the most original, intriguing and provocative books on education I have come across in a long while. --Ron Miller, Education Revolution: The Magazine of Educational Alternatives . . . a vast amount of historical, philosophical, and psychological material [that] present[s] a truly original theory of learning. --Marsha Enright, The New Individualist . . . significant and original . . . This historically - and philosophically-informed book will repay close reading. --Stephen R. C. Hicks, Professor of Philosophy, Rockford College Fascinating read! . . . the most systematic, well organized discussion of its subject matter on the market today. --Tibor R. Machan, R. C. Hoiles Chair in Business Ethics and Free Enterprise, Chapman University a provocative synthesis of the educational philosophies --Dennis Attick and Deron Boyles, Education & Culture a refreshing perspective relative to education and culture in today's society --G. D. Albear, Assistant Professor of Education, Eastern Illinois University

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Professor emeritus of international business and marketing, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona).

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