A Living Citizenship Model for the Public Schools: The Philosophical Foundations of Friendship in the Works of Epicurus and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In an interdisciplinary, hermeneutical study using primary and secondary documents from history, philosophy, political theory, and critical pedagogy, the dissertation focuses on dialogue, friendship, and citizenship. The philosophical foundations of friendship in the works of Epicurus and Ralph Waldo Emerson are discussed. Included in the study is the history of citizenship and analysis of works on dialogue and community. A critical consciousness is significant for real dialogue to precipitate friendship. The philosophical foundations of friendship in the works of Epicurus and Ralph Waldo Emerson are echoed in the Peaceable Schools Model for secondary schools. Based on social justice and the avoidance of conflict, the Peaceable Schools Model ministers a progressive pedagogy and fosters a living citizenship for students in public schools and in the community.