Join Us: MacIntyre, Rationality, and Education - Against Education of Our Age
Educational Philosophy Research Hub | University of Melbourne
Are universities failing to resist the pressures of industry and conformity? Has modern education abandoned its pursuit of truth for pluralistic notions of personal choice? These provocative questions lie at the heart of philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre's critique of contemporary education—and they form the basis of our upcoming research discussion.
The Discussion
We invite you to join our exploration of "MacIntyre, rationality, and education: against education of our age" - a philosophical brief by Dr. Steven Stolz from the University of Adelaide, based on his recent book publication with Springer.
What We'll Explore
MacIntyre argues that educational institutions, particularly universities, have succumbed to external pressures, resulting in what he calls "intellectual dissensus"—where shared conceptions of rational inquiry have been replaced by private preferences and a dangerous apathy toward reason itself.
This discussion will examine:
The fragmentation of ideas in our culture and its educational consequences
MacIntyre's critique of modern universities and their conformity to industry demands
His educational project focused on cultivating rationality through dialectical encounters between rival traditions
The role of tradition-oriented communities in developing independent reasoners
Whether his vision for educational reform is possible or desirable in today's context
Critical Questions for Discussion
Can different moral viewpoints meaningfully engage with each other? Is MacIntyre's vision of the past too romanticized? How would virtue-based educational communities actually function in our contemporary world? Does teaching qualify as a "practice" in MacIntyre's technical sense?
These questions and many others await our collective examination.
About the Presenter
Dr. Steven Stolz brings unique credentials to this discussion. A Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide with a decade of secondary teaching experience, he hosts the popular podcast "Deep Thinking with Dr Steven Stolz." His interdisciplinary scholarship sits at the intersection of philosophy and education, with particular expertise in educational philosophy and theory.
As former Convener of AARE's "Educational Philosophy & Theory" special interest group and current editorial board member of leading academic journals, Stolz offers both theoretical depth and practical educational insight.
Join the Conversation
When: Thursday, September 12th
Where: University of Melbourne (in-person and online options available)
This research discussion assumes participants have engaged with the one-page philosophical brief beforehand, allowing us to dive directly into substantive dialogue rather than basic exposition.
The full book is available here: Alasdair MacIntyre, Rationality and Education: Against Education of Our Age
Whether you attend in-person or online, come prepared to grapple with fundamental questions about education's purpose and direction. MacIntyre's ideas demand serious engagement—they challenge comfortable assumptions about neutrality, progress, and educational goals.
If you cannot attend this session, future events in our Philosophical Briefs Series offer additional opportunities for rigorous philosophical discussion.
This is intellectual work that matters. In an age of educational uncertainty, MacIntyre's critique deserves careful consideration—not uncritical acceptance, but the kind of serious engagement that educational philosophy demands.
