Isocrates is one of the most remarkable and influential figures in the history of human thought. The influence of his ideas in the history of historical writing, rhetoric, the visual arts, music, religion and theology, political science, philosophy and, above all, educational philosophy and practice in Europe, Australia, North America, North Africa, and the Middle East are well established and widely known.

This book argues careful study of the educational philosophy of Isocrates and its legacy can contribute to an improved understanding of the historiography of educational thought, his distinctive normative methodology in both political and educational philosophy, and his arguments about the primary importance of the virtues of self-knowledge and realistic self-appraisal for educational philosophers and practitioners.

At a time when educational philosophy has an increasingly precarious academic existence and educationists are actively seeking new historiographical and methodological approaches to the philosophical study of education, there is much to be gained by recovering and reevaluating the historiography and normative methodology of Isocrates and the role they play in educational discourse and practice today.

Demonstrates the influence of Isocrates in the history of educational philosophy and practice Explains Isocrates' influence in contemporary educational theory and practice Is the first book directly concerned with the educational philosophy of Isocrates and its historical influence

Inhalt
Chapter 1. Isocrates and the History of Educational Ideas: Deficiencies of Educationist Historiography.- Chapter 2. First Philosophy in Educational Thought: The Four Questions and Two Methods.- Chapter 3. Against the Sophists: the First Virtues of the Educator and the Limits of Education.