Exploring the Concepts: Instrumentalism, Philosophy of Education, Ideology and Value Positions

Abstract

This chapter critically engages with the philosophical drivers of education and considers how they inform and shape educational polices and specifically adult literacy. Value positions are explored through the prism of two broad educational philosophical constructs of instrumentalism and libertarianism. We relate this to ideas and debates within these areas for current issues in educational policy and practice. In specific terms, such libertarian values as intuitionism are held as counterpoint to the various strands of rationalist value in education.