Perennialism is a philosophical theory that argues for the existence of universal truths. It originated in religious thought with Thomas Aquinas and was later developed into secular forms. Perennialism believes that education should impart timeless knowledge through studying great works, remain the same for all people, and focus on developing rational thinking skills. The curriculum emphasizes subjects like philosophy, art, science and math. In the classroom, perennialism uses a teacher-centered approach with an emphasis on discussion, memorization, and conveying moral lessons through readings.

1. Perennialism
Presented by,
Anu P Kumar

2. Perennialism
Perennialism was originally religious in nature, developed
first by Thomas Aquinas in the 13 th century in his work De
Magistro (The Teacher). Perennialism is a philosophical and
literary theory that argues for the existence of universal
truths.

3. Types of Perennialism
 Secular Perennialism: Secular Perennialism is promoted by Robert
Hutchins and Mortimer Adler. Secular Perennialism comprises the
humanist and scientific traditions.
 Religious Perennialism: Religious or Theistic Perennialism was first
developed by Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. It says that all
learning can not come from within.

4. Principles of Perennialism
Education should be same for everyone and everywhere.
Focuses on the development of rational powers of man.
Imparts knowledge of eternal truths which is unchanging and
universal.
Education is to acquaint the students with the cultural heritage.
Education is not an imitation of life but a preparation of life.
Students should be taught great works of literature and rich
philosophies.
Supports liberal education.

5. Perennialism in the context of curriculum
The student should be taught such basic subjects as English,
languages, history, mathematics, natural science, philosophy
and fine arts.
Perennialism curriculum is a theory of formal education that
suggests all systematic knowledge can be divided into four
types:
a)Art b) Philosophy c) Science d) Mathematics
For elementary school as well as younger children,
Perennialists favour the kind of textbooks that would prepare
the child for reading the Great Books later.

6. Perennialism in the context of classroom Management
 Perennialist classroom aims to be a closely organized and well- disciplined
environment .
 Perennialism is a teacher-centered philosophy in which the teacher is less
concerned with student interest and more concerned with transferring
knowledge from older generations to younger generations.
The teacher will focus on the importance of reading and will often use the
underlying reading lessons to make a moral point.
The teacher, to the perennialist is a mental disciplinarian with highly
developed logical skills, capable of teaching logical thinking and the use of
reason to his students.

7. Method of Teaching
A particular strategy with modern perennialists is to teach scientific
reasoning not facts.
Drill, repetition and memorization are vital in the learning process.
Perennilists urge schools to spend more time teaching about concepts and
explaining how these concepts are meaningful to students.
Perennialists suggest that a greater emphasis should be placed on teacher-
guided seminar, where students and teachers engage in Socratic dialogues,
or mutual inquiry sessions, to develop an enhanced understanding of
history’s most timeless concepts.

8. References
 Pathak,R.P (2007) Phiolosophical and Sociological Perspectives of
Education, New Delhi: Atlantic publishers and distributors.
 Sharma, Yogendra K.(2004) Sociological Philosophy of
Education,New Delhi:Kanishka publishers and distributors.
 http://www.ijesrr.org/publication/27/IJESRR%20V-2-6-13.pdf.
 http://www.ttgst.ac.kr/upload/ttgst_resources13/20123-176.pdf.