ERIC Number: EJ849055
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Aug
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1857
EISSN: N/A
Patriotism, History and the Legitimate Aims of American Education
Merry, Michael S.
Educational Philosophy and Theory, v41 n4 p378-398 Aug 2009
This article argues that while an attachment to one's country is both natural and even partially justifiable, cultivating loyal patriotism in schools is untenable insofar as it conflicts with the legitimate aims of education. These aims include the epistemological competence necessary for ascertaining important truths germane to the various disciplines; the cultivation of critical thinking skills (i.e. the ability to even-handedly consider counterfactual evidence); and developing the capacity for economic self-reliance. The author argues that loyal patriotism may result in a myopic understanding of history, an unhealthy attitude of superiority relative to other cultures, and a coerced sense of attachment to one's homeland.
Descriptors: Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Patriotism, Role of Education, Educational Philosophy, Politics of Education, Negative Attitudes, Elementary Secondary Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A