Multiculturalism, namely the coexistence of different cultural traditions within the framework of a single socio-political structure, is one of the most salient characteristics of western democratic societies. This situation is due mainly to two factors. On the one hand, we find a plurality of historical communities within the State that have different cultural roots, and each one of them defends the right to have its cultural identity recognised. On the other hand, there is a growing exodus of people from less (...) developed countries into western ones. In this paper I analyse from a philosophical point of view the multicultural situation that has its origin in immigration, paying attention to a public debate on this topic that has been held in Spain recently. I also analyse some conditions that must be taken into account by educators if they want to promote an adequate integration of immigrants into society, being respectful both of their cultural identity and the rights of the society of destination. (shrink)

Multiculturalism, namely the coexistence of different cultural traditions within the framework of a single socio-political structure, is one of the most salient characteristics of western democratic societies. This situation is due mainly to two factors. On the one hand, we find a plurality of historical communities within the State that have different cultural roots, and each one of them defends the right to have its cultural identity recognised. On the other hand, there is a growing exodus of people from less (...) developed countries into western ones. In this paper I analyse from a philosophical point of view the multicultural situation that has its origin in immigration, paying attention to a public debate on this topic that has been held in Spain recently. I also analyse some conditions that must be taken into account by educators if they want to promote an adequate integration of immigrants into society, being respectful both of their cultural identity and the rights of the society of destination. (shrink)

En este artículo se analiza el trabajo de los profesores desde dos perspectivas: objetiva y subjetiva. Considerados objetivamente, los profesores son los ¿profesionales de la docencia¿, que integran un colectivo claramente identificable desde el punto de vista laboral y social, han recibido una formación específica y poseen un título que les capacita para ejercer su trabajo. Cuando se contempla metafóricamente la tarea que realizan los profesores, éstos pueden considerarse como mecánicos, jardineros, agentes sociales o ejemplares ideales de humanidad, en función (...) de cómo se entienda la esencia del proceso educativo. Cuando se analiza la profesión docente ¿desde dentro¿, atendiendo a la vivencia subjetiva de quien la desempeña, se concluye que este trabajo puede afrontarse al menos de tres modos distintos: como un empleo semejante a cualquier otro, como una vocación y como una actitud ante la vida. (shrink)