Abstract

In this study I offered a critique of some of William J. Bennett's views on politics, culture and values in schooling and society. The methodology of critique relies heavily on the critical tools and approaches of analytic and normative philosophy as well as bringing in the relevant findings of history, social sciences, and literary theory. I first examined Bennett's views on the politics of the culture wars. I argue that Bennett acts as a preacher of creedal politics. I then examined Bennett's arguments for the primacy and centrality of Western culture in the humanities curriculum. Finally, I discuss some of Bennett's views on values and moral education. ;I found Bennett's views on the politics of the culture wars to be inaccurate and tendentious. I did conclude, however, that Bennett must be regarded as one of the most significant and influential leaders of the conservative political movement. His continuing influence and importance hinges largely on whether or not he seeks to run for President. Bennett's calls for a curricular emphasis on content, and for the promotion of cultural literacy are commendable. However, Bennett's arguments for the superiority of Western culture are flawed, and they have anti-educational consequences in theory and practice. Bennett has been an important figure in popularizing the discussion of moral education. His criticisms of non-directive approaches to moral education are well taken, but there are significant philosophical problems with Bennett's views on the existence of objective morality and his contentions on the manifest clarity of the basics of morality. It also remains to be seen whether Bennett's approach to character education will be an effective method of promoting virtue in students, and the virtues he prescribes may be more controversial than he acknowledges