Education and humanization: the critical theory of Paulo Freire

Paulo Freire has been one of the most influential educationists of the 20th century. This article focuses on the application of Ferirean ideas to education. It considers the critical, social and educational dimensions to Freire's thought. A number of key instructional principles in Freire's work are identified. The article suggests that Freire's theory is built on a dialectical approach toward the world, a practical view of knowledge and the human ideal, and a deep commitment to the liberation of the oppressed.