Philosophy of education and economics: A case for closer engagement

Abstract

Relatively little contemporary philosophy of education employs economic concepts directly. Even where issues such as marketisation of education are discussed there may be little clarification of underlying concepts. The paper argues that while much contemporary economic thinking on education may be philosophically naive, it is also the case that philosophy of education can productively engage with particular economic insights and perspectives. The paper examines particular conceptualisations of 'economics' and 'the market', drawing upon these to consider aspects of an issue that is significant for the philosophy of education: human becoming. An example, the notion of 'wellbeing' is briefly discussed. © 2009 Journal of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain.