The Contradictions of the Educational Freedom ; Las contradicciones de la libertad de enseñanza

Abstract

This article begins with a brief terminological clarification regarding the meaning of the term freedom of education and then proceeds to analyze the context of political philosophy, that is the relations that exist between Authority and the common citizen. It follows from this analysis that freedom of education is a special guarantee that ensures the survival of freedom in general. Afterwards the author proceeds to study the different approaches which several Marxist groups have followed with regard to the question of education in Spain, and to carry out a particular analysis of the document An Alternative for Education. The author's critique of this document is accompanied by that critique which comes from the radical Marxist wing. The main Marxist attitudes with regard to this topic can be placed within the framework of a global strategy of Gramscian origin which constitutes an attempt to conquer political power by means of a war of positions within the boundaries of the institutions which make up the civil society. In this sense, the school is a particularly favorable meeting-ground. The critique of this strategy gives rise to a new meaning of social freedom and of the defense of a Society which is at least as strong as the State. The author happens to be in favor of the multiplication of social institutions and of the benefits that derive from diversity, and sees this as asure guarantee of freedom for all citizens within society.