Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to present a theory of the conceptual foundation for multiculturalism based on a philosophy of education inspired by Ludwig Wittgenstein's later philosophy. First, various philosophical foundations for education are examined. Because the majority of these approaches stem from a specious philosophy of mind, none prove satisfactory. An alternative approach to education motivated by Wittgenstein's "Private Language Argument" serves as a corrective. Applying the insights gained from that discussion to a debate about multiculturalism illuminates this approach to education. Penultimately, the mission of the modern comprehensive community college is reviewed. In the end, the preceding analysis entails this conditional: if Wittgenstein is correct in what he has to say about the mind, language, and meaning, then many of the pedagogical assumptions, values and practices currently operative in the community college require substantive revision