2025/06/17 by Vlieghe, Joris
Social Sciences · #Arendt #Critical Theory and Political Philosophy #Global Educational Policies and Reforms #Hannah Arendt's Political Philosophy #autonomy of education #critical pedagogy #education and politics #emancipation #love for the world
paper · doi:10.34813/47coll2025
openalex publication_date 2025/06/17 · openalex created_date 2025/12/04 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
This article adds to the longstanding debate in educational theory regarding the relationship between education and politics. It contrasts perspectives that view education as inherently political—particularly within the tradition of critical pedagogy, where it is framed as a tool for emancipation—with approaches, inspired by Arendt and more conservative thought, that argue for a clear separation between education and the political sphere. The article also considers how definitions of both education and politics vary across cultural and linguistic contexts. It concludes by emphasizing the need to preserve the autonomy of education as a foundation for meaningful political engagement.