Each plan for guiding pupils to read emphasizes an inherent philosophy or philosophies of education. Existentialism encourages reading by promoting free choice of reading material and relating decisions to results. A reading curriculum based on the tenets of realism would give the learner a view of the world as it actually exists. Experimentalism has much to offer in developing a functional reading curriculum. As such, a person can experience, but not know, reality as it truly exists. Idealists, on the other hand, believe that ideas represent ultimate reality in life. Because obtaining universal content through intellectual endeavors is the goal of the idealist, the duty of the learner is to move in the direction of the "Universal Ideal" or "Infinite Mind." Each of these philosophies can contribute to reading instruction. In any case, each student needs to attain optimally in the reading curriculum as well as in society. (SG)