This book investigates whether market-based mechanisms can effectively improve educational outcomes or if they fundamentally undermine the purpose of schooling. David Schmidtz, a prominent philosopher and scholar of political economy, examines the intersection of market theory and educational policy. By analyzing the structural incentives within school systems, he evaluates the arguments for and against privatization, charter schools, and competitive distribution models. The text provides a balanced framework for understanding how societal values and economic efficiency collide in the classroom.

Experts recognize this text as a significant contribution to the philosophy of education, particularly for its balanced treatment of contentious policy debates. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of the prose, which makes it a foundational resource for students and policymakers interested in the ethics of school reform.