Divorcing Ideology from Marxism and Marxism from Ideology: Some Problems

The de Liberis Educandis, emanating from the circle of Plutarch, provides directives for fathers in the education of sons. The argument for the intervention of fathers is expressed and even conceived in rhetorical forms. Excellence in speaking is understood as the result and the proof of free birth, a test of legitimacy. The speech of wives, concubines, nurses, slaves, freedmen, flatterers, and the vile constitute threats to the ideal education and ideal man. The author's prescriptions are more concerned with creating ideal relationships among menÑfather, teacher, and young studentÑthan with particulars of curriculum.