Ronald Swartz received a Ph.D. from New York University in 1971. He is now a Professor of Education and Philosophy at Oakland University where he is a member of the Department of Human Development and Child Studies. Dr. Swartz is the co-author of the following: Swartz, R., Perkinson, H., Edgerton, S. (1980). Knowledge and Fallibilism: Essays on Improving Education. New York, New York University Press. Professor Swartz has published articles in a variety of academic journals including the Teachers College Record, Educational Studies, Journal of Educational Thought, Interchange, Learning for Democracy, and Policy Futures In Education. In addition to his publications Professor Swartz is the producer and moderator for the video series Education in Multi-Cultural Societies. In his writings, Swartz has developed a liberal, democratic, self-governing educational philosophy which draws on the works of John Dewey, Bertrand Russell, Karl Popper, Homer Lane, A.S. Neill and Paul Goodman.
1970 - Present, Oakland University, Professor of Education and Philosophy (since 1987)
1992 - 1999, Oakland University, Chair of Department of Human Development and Child Studies
1975 - 1976, New York University, Visiting Assistant Professor in Philosophy of Education
1969 - 1970 Long Island University, Instructor in Philosophy of Education, part- time
1967 - 1968 Midlothian, Illinois Public Schools, 5th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Professional Organizations
Member of the Program Committee, 1985, Midwest Philosophy of Education Society
President, 1989-1990, Midwest Philosophy of Education Society
Member, Midwest Philosophy of Education Society (since 1975 to the present)
(Note: MPES has renamed The Society for the Philosophical Study of Education (SPSE)
Member, American Association of University Professors (since 1972 to the present)
Member, Bertrand Russell Society (since 1997 to the present)
(Note: A list of other service to professional organizations is available upon request.)
Oakland University
Member, School of Education and Human Services Committee on Appointment and Promotion (several terms including 2004 - 2007)
Chair of the School of Education and Human Services Committee on Appointment and Promotion (several terms including 2005)
Member, School of Education and Human Services Executive Committee (1992 - 1999)
Chair of the Department of Human Development and Child Studies (1992 - 1999)
Member, Faculty Reappointment and Promotion Committee (University wide, 1987 - 1990)
Member, Elementary Education Programs Governance Council (1999 - 2009)
(Note: A list of Oakland University service activities since 1970 is available upon request.)