The Necessity of Educational Theory more

The necessity of theory in the field of education is in question. A number of publications in recent years have sought to refute the need for theory and theorising in educational research and practice. We show that arguments against educational theory are refutable and that educational studies needs to refute them for the sake of strong development. This paper takes up Gary Thomas’s claims in particular to make a case for the necessity of educational theory. Following criticisms of this work, we move to consider positive uses of theory in education, highlighting its roles and how it serves education as a discipline of activity and debate. In short, an argument is developed that suggests educational theory is needful for education to flourish and be the best that it can be for all those concerned with its uses and development. What Thomas, in particular, identifies as the downfall of educational theory is shown as in fact the downfall of education without theory.