Chapter 1. Introduction - What is Education for? -- Part I. The History of Philosophy and the Purpose of Education -- Chapter 2. The Importance of Philosophy -- Chapter 3. The Purpose of Education -- Part II. Schooling versus Education -- Chapter 4. School: History, Meaning, Context and Construct -- Chapter 5. School: Rhetoric, Reality and Revisionism -- Part III. The Kingdom of Childhood -- Chapter 6. Development over the Life Span -- Chapter 7. The Twenty-First-Century Child -- Part IV. 'I Always Wanted to Be a Teacher' -- Chapter 8. Teaching the Teachers -- Chapter 9. The Role of the Teacher -- Part V. Case Studies of Educational Philosophies -- Chapter 10. International Comparisons and Case Studies -- Chapter 11. Thinking Outside the Classroom -- Part VI. The Future of Education -- Chapter 12. Predicting Unknown Futures -- Chapter 13. A Holistic View of Education.

This book explores education in the 21st century in post-modern Western societies through a philosophical lens. Taking a broad perspective of education and its attendant terminology, assumptions, myths and influences; the author examines why we teach as opposed to how. In doing so, he includes not only teachers, but all adults who are involved in bringing up children. Applying philosophical theories throughout history to present day practice, this volume is sure to be a useful resource not only for teachers who are just starting out, but those with an interest in education in the past, present and future. This wide-ranging book will be valuable for educators, parents and educational policy makers, and all those who believe it takes a village to raise a child.