Democratic Education Theory In The Philosophy Of Mortimer Adler

Abstract

This article analyzes Mortimer J. Adler’s theory of democratic education within twentieth-century educational philosophy. As a leading representative of perennialism, Adler opposed progressive education, arguing that child-centered approaches weaken intellectual discipline and undermine rational autonomy. He maintained that education must be grounded in universal and enduring principles aimed at cultivating reason, independent thinking, and wisdom as the foundations of democracy.The study examines Adler’s critique of progressive education, his philosophical divergence from John Dewey’s pragmatism, and his reliance on Aristotelian traditions. It also explores Adler’s concept of democracy as a political system aligned with universal human ideals and his understanding of freedom as rational self-governance. Particular attention is given to the Paideia Proposal and to instructional methods such as didactic teaching, coaching, and Socratic seminars as tools for fostering democratic values.