Radical Liberalism and Radical Education: A Synthesis and Critical Evaluation of Illich, Freire, and Dewey

Radical liberalism is a social philosophy which spans two traditions: liberalism (both classical and modern) and left wing radicalism. The former seeks the liberation of individuals from political/economic power; the latter seeks to overturn a social order based on privilege and property. The writings of Illich, Freire, and Dewey represent an educational philosophical tradition that falls squarely into the radical liberal school. All three educators generally share a similar attachment to pluralistic, developmental, solidaristic, and egalitarian values. They also desire educational systems which are based on participatory democracy. Theirs is a praxis-oriented, consciousness raising educational alternative which serves as the starting point for revolutionary social change.