Abstract

In this paper, we engage with and against Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Paulo Freire’s educational thoughts on freedom and humanization. This is borne out of the need to interrogate their commitments to the field of philosophy and humanity. The essence of Rousseau and Freire’s philosophical parlance in this paper is to examine possible implications on teacher and adult education programs. Hence, we considered Rousseau’s thoughts on the state of nature, the general will and the common good and the necessity for freedom. Equally, we took into account Freire’s position for and against freedom, humanisation and dehumanization. We conclude this paper by proposing that both Rousseau and Freire are great contributors to knowledge yet their educational ideas are not beyond some reflections.

Keywords: Freedom, Humanization, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paulo Freire