Truth and Education : Attention, Rigour and Commitment

This book brings a distinctive perspective to bear on current debates over the fate and future of truth, in a post-truth era.

This book brings a distinctive perspective to bear on current debates over the fate and future of truth, in a post-truth era. Peter Roberts reflects on the long history of philosophical work on the meaning of truth, going back at least as far as Socrates in the West and Confucius in the East to come a better understanding about the educational significance of truth. The book is informed by the work of a number of thinkers seldom considered in the educational literature including Diogenes, Unamuno and Beauvoir and it engages with others who have received more attention including Kierkegaard and Weil, in new ways. Collectively, these figures provide, through their words and their actions, a deep well of possibilities for contemplating the importance of truth in education. They help us to see that even if we attempt to flee from truth or to diminish its role in our lives, it will find its way to us, in one form or another. In a ‘post-truth’ world, truth continues to make its presence felt, often in unexpected ways, even as we attempt to ignore it, push back against it, or feign indifference to it. Truth is complex and contested, but it still matters, as much as ever, and is worthy of ongoing educational commitment.