Axel Honneth and Civic Education at the American Community College

• In Event: Decolonizing Civic Education

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine a leading argument in the literature regarding the way community colleges should deliver civic education. Kisker et al. (2016) contend short term skill based training should be given priority over semester length traditional credit courses (for example political science and government courses). However, other scholars contend short term skill training denies community college students the rich education they deserve on matters of justice and democracy. Building upon insights offered by Axel Honneth (1995, 2014, 2015), we show why Honneth's notions of respect, freedom, and equality should serve as a foundation for all instruction on civic education at the community college.

Authors

• Clifford P. Harbour, University of North Texas

• Doug Smith, Iowa State University

• Jonathon Sanders, University of North Texas