Against Aristotelian Character Education: Practical Wisdom, Flourishing, and Liberal Democracy

This book argues that Aristotelian character education cannot work in liberal democracies today. It shows that when we clearly understand the basic structure of Aristotle’s value theory and correctly grasp the core requirements of liberalism, we will see that they are incompatible with one another through and through.

Neo-Aristotelian theories of character have been immensely influential, receiving endorsements from academics, educators, and elected representatives while establishing and influencing major academic centers and numerous K-12 schools, especially in the UK and US. This book argues that despite its meteoric rise and its widespread public influence, neo-Aristotelian character education should be rejected. The author argues that the underlying structure of the theory is incompatible with the sort of value pluralism and antipaternalism that liberal democracies require. The main features that make Aristotelianism attractive—its robust theory of human flourishing that grounds character and its account of the virtue of practical wisdom—are the very same features that make its educational theory illiberal. Understanding the problematic structure of neo-Aristotelian education helps us to better grasp the demands of liberal democracy while also bringing attention to the neglected question of how education for democratic citizenship can be made to fit with equal respect and tolerance of all liberal-compatible ways of living and worldviews.

Against Aristotelian Character Education is essential reading for scholars and graduate students interested in philosophy of education, education theory, virtue ethics, practical wisdom, political theory, and Aristotle.

1147132902
Against Aristotelian Character Education: Practical Wisdom, Flourishing, and Liberal Democracy

This book argues that Aristotelian character education cannot work in liberal democracies today. It shows that when we clearly understand the basic structure of Aristotle’s value theory and correctly grasp the core requirements of liberalism, we will see that they are incompatible with one another through and through.

Neo-Aristotelian theories of character have been immensely influential, receiving endorsements from academics, educators, and elected representatives while establishing and influencing major academic centers and numerous K-12 schools, especially in the UK and US. This book argues that despite its meteoric rise and its widespread public influence, neo-Aristotelian character education should be rejected. The author argues that the underlying structure of the theory is incompatible with the sort of value pluralism and antipaternalism that liberal democracies require. The main features that make Aristotelianism attractive—its robust theory of human flourishing that grounds character and its account of the virtue of practical wisdom—are the very same features that make its educational theory illiberal. Understanding the problematic structure of neo-Aristotelian education helps us to better grasp the demands of liberal democracy while also bringing attention to the neglected question of how education for democratic citizenship can be made to fit with equal respect and tolerance of all liberal-compatible ways of living and worldviews.

Against Aristotelian Character Education is essential reading for scholars and graduate students interested in philosophy of education, education theory, virtue ethics, practical wisdom, political theory, and Aristotle.

56.99 Pre Order
Against Aristotelian Character Education: Practical Wisdom, Flourishing, and Liberal Democracy

Against Aristotelian Character Education: Practical Wisdom, Flourishing, and Liberal Democracy

by Benjamin Miller
Against Aristotelian Character Education: Practical Wisdom, Flourishing, and Liberal Democracy

Against Aristotelian Character Education: Practical Wisdom, Flourishing, and Liberal Democracy

by Benjamin Miller

eBook

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Overview

This book argues that Aristotelian character education cannot work in liberal democracies today. It shows that when we clearly understand the basic structure of Aristotle’s value theory and correctly grasp the core requirements of liberalism, we will see that they are incompatible with one another through and through.

Neo-Aristotelian theories of character have been immensely influential, receiving endorsements from academics, educators, and elected representatives while establishing and influencing major academic centers and numerous K-12 schools, especially in the UK and US. This book argues that despite its meteoric rise and its widespread public influence, neo-Aristotelian character education should be rejected. The author argues that the underlying structure of the theory is incompatible with the sort of value pluralism and antipaternalism that liberal democracies require. The main features that make Aristotelianism attractive—its robust theory of human flourishing that grounds character and its account of the virtue of practical wisdom—are the very same features that make its educational theory illiberal. Understanding the problematic structure of neo-Aristotelian education helps us to better grasp the demands of liberal democracy while also bringing attention to the neglected question of how education for democratic citizenship can be made to fit with equal respect and tolerance of all liberal-compatible ways of living and worldviews.

Against Aristotelian Character Education is essential reading for scholars and graduate students interested in philosophy of education, education theory, virtue ethics, practical wisdom, political theory, and Aristotle.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781040408131
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication date: 08/13/2025
Series: Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 290
File size: 950 KB

About the Author

Benjamin Miller is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.

Table of Contents

1. Against Aristotelian Character Education: An Introduction Part 1: Aristotle and Virtuous Knowledge 2. Aristotle’s Value Theory: Specifiable, Detailed, and Complete 3. Virtue Requires Extensive Value Knowledge 4. Virtue Requires Understanding the Nature of Value 5. Virtue Requires Knowing What Political Experts Know Part 2: Neo-Aristotelian Education vs Liberal Democracy 6. Aristotelian Pluralism Is The Wrong Sort Of Pluralism 7. Neo-Aristotelian Flourishing and the Problem of Paternalism 8. The Problem With Practical Wisdom 9. Some Lessons from Aristotle for Liberal Education

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