What is education for? A recent post at the Ethics Center gives the following options: Instrumentality : education is a means, an instrument, to self-improvement. The logic is that: Education enhances your employability, Which in improves your potential to generate wealth, And that wealth maximises your independence and autonomy Which serves the ultimate goal of maximising your ability to choose your preferred lifestyle, to create your private heaven on earth. Democracy : education forms good citizens who are able to engage in the kind of reasoned debate which forms wholesome societies. The logic here is: Societies are formed by individual people, and by sub-communities like families, ethnic groups, religious groups, and social clubs, Where those individuals and sub-communities have their own perspectives and values, Which usually conflict to some degree but are not entirely irreconcilable, But who need to take the time and energy require...