Bio


Dr. Callan is a philosopher of education whose work draws heavily on contemporary moral and political theory. His principal interests are in civic and moral education, and in the application of theories of justice and democracy to problems in educational policy and practice.

Academic Appointments


  • Emeritus Faculty, Acad Council, Graduate School of Education

Administrative Appointments


  • Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Stanford University (2008 - Present)
  • Professor of Education, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University (1999 - Present)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations


  • Professor of Education, . (1996 - 1999)
  • Associate Professor of Education, . (1991 - 1996)
  • Assistant Professor of Education, . (1989 - 1991)
  • Mactaggart Fellow, Assistant Professor, . (1984 - 1989)
  • Sessional Lecturer, University of Alberta (1982 - 1984)

Professional Education


  • PhD, University of Alberta, Philosophy of Education (1982)
  • MA, National University of Ireland, Education (1978)
  • BA, National University of Ireland, English and Classical Civilization (1976)

Research Interests


  • Philosophy
  • Sociology

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Civic and moral education; ethical and civic dimensions of educational policy; multicultural education and minority rights in education.

2023-24 Courses


Stanford Advisees


All Publications


  • When to shut students up: Civility, silencing, and free speech School Field Callan, E. 2011; 9 (1): 3-22
  • The Better Angels of Our Nature: Patriotism and Dirty Hands JOURNAL OF POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY Callan, E. 2010; 18 (3): 249-270
  • The better angels of our nature: patriotism and dirty hands Journal of Political Philosophy Callan, E. 2010; 18 (3): 249-270
  • Teaching Evidence-Based Citizenship Education and a Civil Society: Teaching Evidence-Based Decision Making Callan, E. 2009: 43
  • Indoctrination The Oxford handbook of philosophy of education Callan, E., Arena, D. 2009
  • American democracy, education, and utopianism Why Do We Educate? Renewing the Conversation Callan, E. 2008; 1: 74-82
  • Justice, autonomy, and the good Creating Citizens: Political Education and Liberal Democracy Callan, E. 2007
  • Love, idolatry, and patriotism Social Theory and Practice Callan, E. 2006; 32 (4): 525-546
  • The ethics of assimilation ETHICS Callan, E. 2005; 115 (3): 471-500
  • Are we all cosmopolitans now? A reply to Costa 61st Annual Meeting of the Philosophy-of-Education-Society Callan, E. K. PHILOSOPHY EDUCATION SOC PUBLICATIONS OFFICE. 2005: 259–262
  • Citizenship and education ANNUAL REVIEW OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Callan, E. 2004; 7: 71-90
  • Democratic patriotism and multicultural education Studies in Philosophy and Education Callan, E. 2002; 21 (6): 465-477