The late Paulo Freire of Brazil teacher, philosopher, and activist is widely regarded
in the U.S. and elsewhere as one of the most influential educators of the 20th century. He is the author of more
than 20 books, which have been translated and sold widely throughout the world. Among his many books are the classic
Pedagogy of the Oppressed (ISBN 0-8264-0611-4) and Letters to Christina (ISBN 0-4159-1097-8).
Summary
In Pedagogy of Freedom Paulo Freire travels ever more deeply into the territory where learning and activism
are the essence of human life. This profound new book shows why an engaged way of learning and teaching is central
to the creation of the individual, culture, and history.
Freire finds in today's emerging global society a new context in which education cannot be indifferent to the reproduction
of dominant ideologies and the interrogation of them. He argues against "progressive" liberalism and
its passive acceptance of a world where unemployment and hunger must inevitably co-exist with opulence. In so doing,
he shows why an acceptance of fatalism leads to loss of personal and societal freedom and how those
individuals who think without optimism have lost their place in history.
This book displays the striking creativity and profound insight that characterized Freire's work to the very end
of his life an uplifting and provocative exploration not only for educators, but for all who learn
and live.
Table of Contents
Part I. There is No Teaching Without Learning
Methodological Rigor
Research
Respect for What Students Know
A Capacity to be Critical
Ethics and Aesthetics
Words Incarnated in Example
Risk, Acceptance of What is New, and Rejection of Discrimination
Critical Reflection on Practice
Cultural Identity
Part II. Teaching is Not Transferring Knowledge
Awareness of Our Unfinishedness
Recognition of One's Conditioning
Respect for the Autonomy of the Student
Common Sense
Humility, Tolerance, and Struggle for the Rights of Educators
Capacity to Apprehend Reality
Joy and Hope
Conviction that Change is Possible
Teaching Requires Curiosity
Part III. Teaching is a Human Act
Self-Confidence, Professional Competence and Generosity
