FROM SILENCE TO AWARENESS. SOME NOTES ON FREIRE’S THEORY OF EDUCATION

ALGUNAS NOTAS SOBRE LA TEORÍA DE LA EDUCACIÓN EN PAULO FREIRE

Abstract

In this article, I want to present some of the key elements that be part of Paulo Freire’s Theory of Education. Sometimes, this theoretical framework has been neglected and some mimetics understanding of his work focus, in am mimetic way, only in his methodological contributions has been presented. I am going to refer to three different elements: culture, stressing the so-called culture of silence; dialogue as the major component to build relationships among people; and conscientization as the process through people, in a collective way, can initiate social transformations. In the conclusions, I will emphasise the necessity to undertake critical readings about Freire’s works to confront both the dehumanise and homogenise tendencies that are transforming education in a training only addressed to the labour market and not for living.