Book

The philosophy of educational science is not merely an academic abstraction—it is the essential foundation for understanding what education is, what it could become, and how it should be practiced with integrity and purpose. In an era of rapid technological transformation, deepening inequality, climate crisis, and democratic fragility, the need for philosophical reflection on education has never been more urgent. This comprehensive textbook, designed specifically for doctoral students and advanced scholars, provides a rigorous yet accessible introduction to the foundational questions that animate educational theory and practice. Drawing upon ethics, political philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, and the philosophy of science, this volume explores the nature and aims of education, the structure of the curriculum, the roles and responsibilities of teachers, and the relationship between education and society. The book engages with major philosophical traditions—including idealism, realism, pragmatism, existentialism, and critical theory—and examines their implications for contemporary educational challenges. Each tradition offers distinctive insights that enrich our understanding of what education is and what it could become. Organized to guide readers systematically through the central domains of educational philosophy, the textbook begins with historical foundations in ancient Greek, Chinese, Islamic, and Enlightenment thought. It proceeds through epistemological questions about knowledge and justification, examines major philosophical traditions and their educational implications, explores the philosophy of science and its relevance for educational research, and addresses the aims and values of education. Subsequent chapters engage with curriculum theory, pedagogy, educational ethics, and the application of philosophy to policy, leadership, and classroom practice. A concluding section addresses pressing contemporary issues including globalization, technology, Indigenous philosophies, decolonization, and the future of education in the twenty-first century. The book emphasizes the relevance of philosophical reflection to concrete educational practice.