Abstract
This article explores reasons for educational research and practice in social justice from
evolutionary, ideological and philosophical viewpoints. The tension between nihilistic and
empathetic tendencies within our history is used to reflexively examine the origins and causes of
inequity with emphasis on the works of giants such as Paolo Freire, John Dewey, Karl Marx, and
Vivekananda. Finally we address one particular issue in depth, namely the tension between
excellence and equity in talent development in schools, east and west.
