Autonomy as an Overriding Educational Aim in Aharon Aviram’s View

Abstract

The article refers to the issue of autonomy as an overriding educational aim and is analyzing the concept of Autonomy-Oriented Education (AOE) by the Israeli philosopher of education, Aharon Aviram. Although the desire for freedom and the need for self-determination is an immanent part of human identity, the project of erecting individual autonomy as a central educational aim is a matter of controversy. According to Aviram the autonomy should be the main educational goal, and postmodern school should encourage young people to develop their personal autonomy, morality and dialogical belonging – three basic humanistic values. To accomplish that, Aviram proposes a total change of the prevailing education system. This paper presents an overview of the assumptions of that conception.