This book comes strongly to the defence of educational theory and shows that it has a structure and integrity of its own. The author argues that the validity of educational theory may best be judged in terms of the various assumptions made in it. His argument is illustrated by a review and critique of some particularly influential theories of education: those of Plato, Rousseau, James Mill and John Dewey. He stresses the need for an on-going, contemporary, general theory of education and examines the ways in which the disciplines of psychology, sociology and philosophy can contribute to a general theory of this kind. Review'The book is much more than an exposition of any system or method. It is a treatise on education itself -- a book of mellow wisdom, clearly and beautifully written.' Teachers' World'Everyone who is trying to find better methods of teaching and attempting to understand educational needs should read this book...' Preparatory Schools' Review [C:\Users\Microsoft\Documents\Calibre Library]