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CHAPTER 3 W HAT KIND OF THEORY SHOULD THEORY ON EDUCATION FOR HUMAN FLOURISHING BE ? Abstract In this article we defend the claim that theory on education for flourishing should also include nonideal theory. We observe that recent theory on education for flourishing takes the ideal of flourishing as a starting point and central point of the theory, and should be seen as ideal theory. While this serves a purpose, the practical value of ideal theory is limited. In order to have a greater bearing on and relevance for educational practice, nonideal theorising should be encouraged. Keywords Ideal theory, Nonideal theory, Education, Human flourishing , Ideals, Idealisations This chapter is based on: Wolbert, L.S., De Ruyter, D.J., and Schinkel, A. (2017). What kind of theory should theory on education for human flourishing be? British Journal of Educational Studies . http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00071005.2017.1390061