Plato believed education was essential for achieving justice in society. He proposed an educational system with two parts: elementary education from ages 5-20 focused on gymnastics and music, and higher education for the guardian class from ages 20-35 focused on mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Students would be tested at ages 20 and 30 to determine if they continued their education or entered other roles. Plato's educational philosophy emphasized developing both the mind and body through subjects like mathematics, poetry, and physical training to create a just and ideal state.

1. PLATO’S LIFE & HIS EDUCATIONAL
IMPLICATIONS
• Plato was interested in practically every subject and spoke
intelligently on philosophical topics and problems.
• Plato’s contact with Socrates was a turning point in his
life.
• Plato regards education as a means to achieve justice,
both individual justice and social justice.
• Born in 427 BC in Athens.
• He lost his father when he was a child.
• He was 28, when his master, Socrates died.
• He left Athens and travelled far & wide for 12 yrs. This
travel gave him very rich experience.
• 23 books are authored by him.
• The most important & popular of his work is “THE
REPUBLIC”.
• It presents a fascinating defense of the author’s
conception of the ideal state.

2. • It gives the modern readers the most sustained &
convincing portrait of Socrates as a critical & creative
Philosopher.
• We shall find his metaphysics, theology, ethics,
psychology, pedagogy politics & his theory of art in this
book.
• It also includes the problems that the modern world face.
EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
1) ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
• This includes the training of the young persons up to
about the age of 20.
• Curriculum has 2 parts: ‘Gymnastics’ & ‘Music’.
• Gymnastics: for training the mind through the body.
• Music : Plato meant the study & interpretation of the
masterpieces of poetry.
• The aesthetic appreciation of these masterpieces was
expected to develop moral & religious values.
• At the age of 20 a test is given.
• Those who fail in the test will be assigned to the
economic work of the nation.
• They will be the businessman, clerks, factory workers, etc.

3. 2) HIGHER EDUCATION
• Those who are selected by the test are admitted to higher
education.
• After 10 yrs of education & training in body, mind &
character a second test is given.
• Those who fail in this severe test will be appointed
executives, military officers etc. of the state.
• The remaining will continue their education upto the age
of 35 in the academy for the higher position in the
guardian class.
• The curriculum of the guardian class: Mathematics,
Astronomy & Logic, the only scientific studies known to
Plato.
• He believed that the study of these subjects will prepare
them to study Philosophy.
• According to him this system of education is essential for
the ideal state.
• The highest goal of education is the knowledge of good;
to nurture a man to be a better human being; it is not
merely an awareness of particular benefits and pleasures.
• The object is moral & political.

4. • Since the health and beauty of both body & mind are
essential goals.
• Hence it is divided into two parts.
ORGANIZATION & CURRICULUM
1.ELEMENTARY : All boys & girls would be educated
together.
> They would study Mathematics, Literature, and
Poetry & Music until they were 18 yrs of age.
2.MILITARYTRAINING: The next two yrs of youth’s life
would be devoted to physical education alone.
> The best youths would be selected for the higher
education given to future guardians of the state.
3.HIGHER EDUCATION: Between the ages of 20 & 35,
the future guardian would receive a higher
education to prepare him for ruling the state.
> His studies would include Mathematics, Music &
Literature.
> 30 : Maturity to begin his study of Philosophy.

5. > 35: His formal education would cease & he would
enter upon a minor administrative position.
TEACHING METHODS
• He recommended play method at elementary level;
student should learn by doing.
• Trained in the processes of thinking & abstracting.
He wanted motivation & interest in learning.
• Against the use of force in education.
• Gave importance to nursery education.
• Musical education
• Story telling: main tool for the formation of
character.
• Games
• 10 : 3 yrs on reading, writing, the poets.
• Another 3 learning the lyre & study maths upto 17/
18.
• 4 disciplines : Arithmetic

6. Geometry
Astronomy
Harmony
• These disciplines lift the soul to the level of the
immutable.
ROLE OF A TEACHER
• Important role.
• Guide.
• Have pleasing personality, in depth knowledge &
professional training.
• Committed to profession.
• High sense of responsibility.
• True role model.
• Should practice what they preach.