Herbert Spencer, a 19th-century British philosopher, promoted a utilitarian approach to education, emphasizing practical skills and self-sufficiency over traditional public schooling. He criticized public education for failing to prepare students for societal living, advocating for private schools to foster competition for the brightest students. Spencer's educational philosophies continue to influence modern practices, including the focus on practical skills and the introduction of competitive elements like standardized testing.

1. HERBERT
SPENCER
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

2. OBJECTIVES
AT THE END OF THIS LESSON, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:
A. KNOW A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF HERBERT SPENCER,
B. IDENTIFY HIS PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION, AND
C. LEARN WHAT ARE THE INFLUENCE OF HIS PHILOSOPHY
ON EDUCATION PRACTICES TODAY.

3. WHO IS HERBERT SPENCER?
(1820-1903) was a British National. An English Philosopher,
Biologist, Sociologist, Anthropologist, and a Prolific Writer.
Was known as one of the leading Social Darwinists of the
19th century.
He was the first person to coin the phrase “Survival of the
fittest”
Spencer was an AGONISTIC who believed that the only
way to gain knowledge was through a scientific approach.
SYNTHETIC PHILOSOPHY.

4. HERBERT SPENCER - SOCIAL DARWINISTS
Survival of the fittest
Spencer believes that competition is a natural ethical force that
motivates the best equipped humans to climb to the top of
socioeconomic ladder.
The fittest population will increase, and the unfit (weaker
individual) will slowly disappear.

5. He did not believed in the public schools system. His major
criticism of the school system was that it did not prepare children
to live in the society.
Instead, he believed in the private school system which competed
for the brightest students. Spencer felt that the most exemplary
schools would eventually acquire the best teachers and students.
HERBERT SPENCER - SOCIAL DARWINISTS EDUCATION
OPPOSITION TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

6. UTILITARIANISM
is a moral theory that holds that the best action is the one that
maximizes overall pain or suffering.
a doctrine that the useful i the good and that the determining
consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness ot its
consequences.
a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible
balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the
greatest number.

7. UTILITARIAN EDUCATION
The teaching of skills and subjects applicable to daily life, work,
and society.
Focused on practical skills and knowledge that will be useful in
daily life and that it should be geared towards producing
individuals who were self-sufficient, self-reliant, and capable of
contributing to society in a meaningful way.
This kind of education is characterized by its focus on
learning/teaching applied science and recognition of the futility
of Sciences fundamental and philosophical.

8. The utilitarian perspective of education focuses on
producing students who will be able to fit into society at an
elite level and contribute as a productive citizen.
Positioning Education as a means of achieving social and
individual well-being.
This type of education provides financial security and social
status for the individuals and their families if they are
successful.

9. ACTIVITIES IN UTILITARIAN EDUCATION
Speeches
Essays
Teaching demonstration
Sample job interview
Basic Microsoft
Utilization of LMS
Math Models
Word Problems
Researches
Activities in the
classroom that will
improve interpersonal
communication skills
Computer Skills
Critical thinking and
problem solving skills.

10. He wanted private schools to compete against each other in
trying to attract the brightest students and most capable
teachers.
The standarized testing used in the No Child Left Behind Act is a
way of introducing competition in to schools, as it identifies
achieving and non- achieving schools and teachers.
The raise or entry standards for students of pre-service
education teachers to make them more competitive.
His influences are still felt as education continues to discuss
voucher system to private schools and in the stressing of
teaching skills that will assist students in becoming individuals
who contribute to the good of society.
INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES TODAY

11. “ THE GREAT AIM OF
EDUCATION IS NOT
KNOWLEDGE BUT ACTION”
HERBERT SPENCER

12. THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!!!
PRESENTED BY:
JALEN ROSE CORMINAL
APPLE GRACE DUMANGAS