Theories in education and the supporting philosophy and history of each group of ideas are presented, and the relationship of each position to the classroom and to the society is indicated. The nature of philosophy and its major divisions, the nature of educational philosophy, and the relationship of philosophy to education are considered. The following theories are covered: traditionalism, progressivism, essentialism, classical realism, reconstructionism, analytic philosophy, existentialism, and Marxism. Each theory is also considered in relation to the difference it would make in regard to the role of the student, the task of the teacher, the content of the curriculum, and the relationship to society. (SW)