Maria Montessori revolutionized pedagogy by encouraging the teacher to "follow the child," rather than the other way around. In this detailed reconstruction of her philosophy, Frierson argues that the ideas underlying her practice can revolutionize our understanding of ourselves and our ideals. An original, rigorous, and provocative study that should be of interest to educators and philosophers alike.

Tamar Schapiro, Professor of Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

In this carefully argued and exhaustively researched book, Patrick R. Frierson offers a much-deserved vindication of Maria Montessori's contributions to moral philosophy, presenting her as a first-rate philosopher who warrants serious attention in contemporary debates on ethical life. By actualizing the relevance of Montessori's contributions to ethical theory and the importance of recognizing the experience of young persons as generative for moral thought, Frierson's own work makes a significant and lasting contribution to the field.

Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews