In this first chapter Noddings introduces us to several streams of philosophical thought and understanding and attempts to show how many are linked together, or strayed from another, in their basic premises.

CHOOSE only 1 out of 2 to answer:

Discussion Question 1:

As a father of three kids I am often taken back when I hear one of them say “Dad you have just have to hear this new song by so and so (Z), it’s fantastic”. Sure enough when I listen to it I have the pleasure of saying “Yes that is great song, but I have to tell you that actually came out in 1968 and was originally recorded by Y, not Z”. I always say this with a smile on my face as they were so often surprised that their “dad” actually had great music “back in the day”! The same may be true on Philosophy of Education and much of the “terminology, buzz words, and concepts” that come down from “the Ministry” every few months. Reading the many concepts and premises that were introduced in this chapter, were there any that were quite surprising that you thought were “new”, but you realize now have actually simply been reintroduced under a new “strategy”?

Discussion Question 2:

How do you think some of the philosophers (i.e. Aristotle, Plato) in this chapter would respond to the concepts of “vouchers” and “school choice” given their views on equity and ones placement in society? What are your thoughts on vouchers and school choice? Are there advantages and disadvantages and how might we weigh these? Do you believe that schools or the family/community should be responsible for values and character education? Do schools have a role in this and how do they determine what should be taught in this regard?