This is a philosophical treatment of the conceptual and normative aspects of topics which are currently a matter of policy debate in education. The authors have focussed on such concepts as liberty, autonomy, equality and pluralism, and have provided a philosophical commentary which relates these concepts both to a background of philosophical literature, and to the institutional contexts and policy debates in which they function.

Part 1: Liberality and the University 1. Ambiguities in Liberal Education an the Problem of its Content. 2. Liberality, Neutrality and the Modern University. 3. Student Academic Freedom and the Changing Student/University Relationships Part 2: Students' Rights 4. From Childhood to Adulthood:Assigning Rights and Responsibilities 5. Compulsory Education: A Moral Critique Part 3: Autonomy, Freedom and Schooling 6.Autonomy as an Aim of Education 7. Ambiguity and Constraint in the 'Freedom' of Free Schools Part 4: Equality and Pluralism 8. Cultural Diversity and Education 9. Equality of Educational Opportunity Part 5: Technology and Work 10. Technology and Educational Values 11. Career Education and the Pathologies of Work