Abstract

In order to reach a better understanding of relationships in pedagogical practices the authors believe their language about relationships needs to be broadened and deepened. This chapter draws upon American philosopher Harry G. Frankfurt who writes about ‘care’ and how what we care about represents a volitional drive. It explores his notion of love in relation to his notion of care, and elaborates more fully what is at stake in our pedagogical interactions. The chapter also offers some thoughts on why a more complex theory of actions is needed in order to broaden and deepen our language of pedagogical relations and what this means for reimagining pedagogical relationships. Finally, it discusses two statements from two school leaders: ‘you have to give of yourself’ and keeping ‘an open door’. These led the authors to investigate some aspects of human relationships in education that are rarely touched upon in pedagogical literature.