Bloomsbury Paulo Freire's Philosophy of Education: Origins, Developments, Impacts and Legacies

This is a critical exploration of the genealogy of Freire's thinking and the way in which Freire's work has influenced philosophical and political movements, offering an analysis of how Freire's work might be developed for the future. Irwin explores Freire's philosophy of education, which balanced traditional ethical and spiritual concerns with contemporary ideas and drew upon Christian and Hegelian Marxist thought and insights from existentialism and psychoanalysis. The impact of Freire's work and legacies are considered, drawing on his emphasis on the need for praxis to bring about real and progressive change. This essential guide to Freire's work and legacy will prove invaluable for postgraduate students looking at educational theory and the philosophy of education. It will also be of interest to postgraduate students looking at cultural and political theory. Review ‘In this ground-breaking treatise, Jones Irwin argues eloquently for the growing relevance and significance of Paulo Freire's philosophy, particularly in light of increasing social diversity and escalating political conflicts worldwide. In so doing, Irwin restores Freire's innovative paradigm of literacy to its rightful place as the vital cornerstone in the evolution of his pedagogy of the oppressed―a pedagogy fueled by Freire's deep passion for life, unyielding commitment to justice, and unwavering faith in the capacity of human beings to recreate the world. An outstanding addition to the existing literature on Paulo Freire and his contribution to education.' Antonia Darder, Leavey Presidential Endowed Chair of Ethics and Moral Leadership, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA About the Author Jones Irwin is Lecturer in Philosophy and Human Development in the Education Department at St Patrick's College, Dublin City University, Ireland.