Prof Jan Derry, Dr John Vorhaus | Four two-hour sessions | Autumn: 18:30 - 20:30 (UK time) Tuesdays 14, 21, 28 November + 5 December (Room 728 in the IOE)
 

NB: This course accrues 3 training points.

A powerful strand of modern thought and culture, which is also pervasive in educational theory, is a deep scepticism about the idea and possibility of ‘truth; whether there is any such thing and whether we should bother about it. Scepticism arises partly because much of what we previously assumed to be true, and what was unquestioningly taught as true, turns out to be biased, self- serving or ideological. Hence, those who speak of truth at all often prefer to speak of ‘truth’, using scare quotes. But if that implies there is no objective truth, no truth that is free of self interest or bias, what does that imply for much of what is taught in education, including much of what is taught about what is taught in education? (Is none of what is taught true?) We will explore the concept of truth, what it is, the reasons for scepticism and how these might be resisted.

For more information, including preparatory reading, visit the course description page.