UST FACULTY OF PHILOSOPHY

THESIS ABSTRACT

This thesis will expose Freire’s Philosophy of Education which focuses on education as a
way towards social transformation through “conscientizacao” or simply conscientization. By
conscientization the subjects do not simply fall into being mere spectators in the society. The
system of education can open up the critical consciousness of the people, the students in
particular, to perceive the social problems through dialogue. Thus, to make the people commit to
transformation, the teacher must not confine the mind of the students only in the classroom.
Moreso, the opposite poles of characteristics of Banking Education and Problem-Posing
education will be elaborated, considering the former as oppressive and the latter, liberating.

The researcher envisions that upon this analysis of the Freirean Philosophy of Education,
one may be able to see the necessity of conscientization in the educational system. Early on, the
readers may tend to ask the reason why the Freirean philosophy goes beyond the usual
educational setting and proceeds to the social issues. It is for the pure and plain reason that
Freire’s concern is to free the oppressed from the bonds of social oppression. When one becomes
involved in the process of social transformation as its active and critical member, only then that
one can be called “educated”. The only way to fulfil this goal is conscientization.

Keywords: Conscientization, Education, Oppression, Critical Consciousness, Dialogue,

Resistance, Transformation