Radicalism. Also known as radical or critical pedagogy, this relatively new school of thought argues for the construction of ideological and institutional conditions that make the empowerment of students an educational priority. Radicalism is characterized by the following basic tenets:

• Man's purpose is to transform his world
• By actively participating in this transformation, man moves toward a fuller life, both individually and collectively
• Economic, social, and political domination depends on submerging people in a culture of silence that discourages critical awareness of and response to reality
• Established educational systems often contribute to maintaining this culture of silence
• Every person is capable of looking critically at the world in which he or she lives
• Through dialogue with others, people can gradually perceive personal and social reality as well as the contradictions in it
• The breakdown of traditional distinctions between knowledge disciplines, as well as between high and popular culture, is an important step in educating people

The major proponents of radicalism include Paulo Friere and Henry Giroux.

For more information on the philosophy of radicalism, we recommend the following Web pages.

Giroux H.. Rage and Hope: What is Critical Pedagogy?
http://www.perfectfit.org/CT/giroux2.html

Additional resources on the philosophy of radicalism may be found at the end of this topic.

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