Thoughts on education: Idealism

1. THOUGHTS ON
EDUCATION:IDEALISM-
FEATURES AND EDUCATIONAL
IMPLICATIONS
By
ANJANA V VIJAYAN

2. Idealism
•The word idealism signifies two terms ‘idea’ and ‘ideal’.
•Plato conceived of ideas are the basis of his philosophy.
•His philosophy of idealism which represents more of ideas can
better be known as idealism.
•It is an old philosophy.
•Thus, Idealism is a philosophy developed by Plato.

3. CONCEPT OF IDEALISM
•Idealism is a philosophical position which adheres to the view that
nothing is exist except an idea in the mind of man, the mind of
God or in a super or supra-realm.
•It deals with certain basic questions of human life.
•It hold that mind or spirit, as each man experiences it in himself,
is fundamentally real and that the totality of the universe is
somehow mind or spirit is its essence.
•To the idealist the reality is spiritual in nature rather than
physical, mental rather than material. Ideas are eternal and
unchanging.

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF IDEALISM
•The universe exists in spirit.
•Mechanical explanation of the universe in inadequate.
•Teleological explanation of the universe.
•Man is central in creation.
•Emphasis upon normative and social sciences.
•Normative description of the universe.
•Conceptualism.

5. IDEALISM AND EDUCATION
•An idealist’s concept of education is something which leads one to
the highest moral conduct and deepest spiritual insight.
•Education, according to idealism, is a spiritual necessity and not a
natural necessity.
•Education must convert original nature of man into spiritual
nature.
•In the words of Rusk, ‘Education must enable mankind through its
culture to enter more and more fully into the spiritual realm’.

6. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF
IDEALISM
1) Two forms of the whole world.
2) Ideas are more important than objects.
3) Faith in spiritual values.
4) Importance of man over nature.
5) Importance of personality development.
6) Full support to the principle of university in diversity.

7. IDEALISM AND AIMS OF EDUCATION.
Some of the important aims of education as laid down by idealists
are given below
1) Self Realization.
2) Universal education.
3) Spiritual development.
4) Transmission and promotion of cultural heritage.
5) Cultural moral values.
6) Preparation for a holy life.
7) Development of intelligence and rationality.

8. IDEALISM AND TEACHER.
Teacher should be:
Role model.
Friend, philosopher and guide.
Co-worker of God.
Priest of mans spiritual heritage.
Personification of reality.
Maker of democracy.

9. IDEALISM AND CURRICULUM.
Idealism attaches great importance to those subjects which
provide significant knowledge and wisdom.
These experience correspond to various activities through which
one has to acquire the highest good and inherent values.
For curriculum, idealist concepts come through when people
believe that learning is mostly an intellectual process.
Teaching connects ideas together when teaching the students.

10. IDEALISM AND METHOD OF TEACHING
Idealism has not prescribed specific methods of teaching. According to idealism, class-
room is a temple of spiritual learning, a meeting place of human minds- a place for self
education. For this no particular method has been suggested. However, the following
methods have been advocated by different idealists:
· Learning through reading
· Learning through lecturing
· Learning through discussion
· Learning through imitation
· Descartes employed the device of simple to complex

11. CONTRIBUTIONS OF IDEALISM TO EDUCATION
Idealistic philosophy in education emphasizes ‘the exaltation of personality’, which is
the result of self-realization, achieved by spiritual knowledge, self-discipline and
dignified teacher. Idealism assigns a very important place to the teacher who is
respected as a guide, and philosopher. They emphasize the importance of moral and
spiritual education and points out the values of humanities, social sciences, art and
literature. It emphasizes man’s perfection in various facets of life-physical, spiritual,
intellectual, moral, esthetic and social.