Reforming Education: The Opening of American Mind

Synopsis

Moritimer J. Adler has been hailed as "a philosopher for everyman" (Time), and Reformer Education is his response to the pressing question, "What can be done about American education?" Spanning his fifty-year career as one of America's foremost teachers, Reforming Education addresses the controversies about what should be taught in our elementary schools, high schools, and colleges; how it should be taught; for whom this education should be available; and to what end. At the heart of Reforming Education is Adler's great innovation, the paideia reform, reinstating "the general learning that should be the possession of all human beings," and as its subtitle implies, Reforming Education also challenges the faulty diagnosis and prescriptive, narrow remedy offered by Allan Bloom. For Adler, the best education for the best is the best education for all, and Reforming Education stands as an "eloquent and passionate defense of a truly democratic vision of education" (Publishers Weekly).

Addler addresses the controversy of what should be taught in our schools. He suggests that is should serve and be made available to all. He begins with a stinging critique of Allan Bloom and offers his advice for the best education.