Philosophy developed as a form of rational inquiry practised in the cities of Ancient Greece. It involves the pursuit of wisdom and is both the predecessor and the complement of science, developing those issues that underlie science, and pondering those questions that are beyond the scope of science. In spite of a reputation as a difficult and abstract subject, philosophy is inseparable from our daily life. It has to do with our ideas of ourselves and the universe, and understanding the self and our existential space in the world. Philosophy in education and research maps the relationship between philosophy and research with the objective of advancing critical thinking skills.

Philosophy in education and research aims to demystify philosophy for education students at all levels of study. Taking a practical, problem-solving approach, it sets out terminology and the origin of theories in the education curriculum within the context of South Africa’s history and societal change.

Contents include the following:

• Paradigms, theoretical frameworks and conceptual frameworks in educational research
• An Afrocentric paradigm in education and research
• Comparative perspectives in philosophy of education in Africa
• Sociological imperatives for education and the theory of change
• Philosophy of disability: African perspectives
• Distance education and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs)
•  Quality assurance in distance education and ethical imperatives
• Supporting students’ transition through the academic journey

Philosophy in education and research is aimed at students and researchers across disciplines who want to understand the philosophical underpinnings of education and research.