Rational Humanism Curriculum Ideology

Within professional and public sectors, many recognize the normative function of education as a deeply value-laden social enterprise by which particular visions of and values for education and human life are conceptualized and cultivated, and this, largely occurs within the curriculum. Thus, in the study of curriculum, attending to ideology the implicit or overt system of ideas, beliefs, and values that shape a particular way of seeing and being in the worldis an enduring matter of significance. Rational humanism is one such ideology that Elliot Eisner posits informs current curriculum thought and practice. Expressing faith in the power of reason and capacity of intelligence to direct human growth and progress, this orientation has enjoyed a long history; avidly defended and opposed, and subjected to complex ...