This paper proposes the idea of education as engagement rather than transmission, by which I mean an open-minded exchange of perspectives resulting in ‘reciprocal illumination’ for everyone who takes part. Terminology is important here. Mention the term ‘public engagement’ and people think of experts pontificating about their pet subject – at science fairs, perhaps, or outreach activities. The assumption is that experts know lots and transmit their knowledge without being changed much, and that members of the public don't know much at all and stand to gain far more. However, perhaps a different framing might open new opportunities.