Books by Peter M. Collins

This book explores 20th-century intellectual culture in the United States, with attention to the gradual narrowing of the scope of (academic) philosophy and its diminishing influence. American Catholic universities, it is contended in this book, can render a seriously-needed contribution to combating the negative effects of this historical development.

The intertwining careers of William Torrey Harris (1835-1909) converge in twelve of the Annual Reports of the Board of Directors for St. Louis Public Schools. Harris formulated most of the essential features of these twelve reports as the Superintendent of Schools from 1867 to 1869. These particular reports-which have been acclaimed nationally and internationally-are said to be among the most valuable official publications in American educational literature. They are far different from the descriptive documents originally intended by their author. This study demonstrates that Harris provided an authentic philosophy of education, a set of interrelated philosophical principles and their applications to educational problems. The substance of Harris's philosophy of education is focused upon a broadly based philosophical anthropology in relationship primarily to the purposes, curriculum, and teaching methods in intellectual, moral, and religious education.