Aristotle Concept Of Education
The great Greek philosopher and father of politics, Aristotle, was born in Greece in 384 BC. His father was a royal physician at the court of the Macedonian state. From childhood, Aristotle was interested in biology, but his father wanted him to learn medical sciences. Aristotle was a pupil of Plato, who taught him for about twelve years. During his lifetime, Aristotle wrote about four hundred books on various disciplines of knowledge, ethics, morality, politics, biology, psychology, poetry and dialects. One of his notable books was politics. He was a realistic thinker. In his books on politics and ethics, Aristotle gave wonderful information about education. According to Aristotle, an integrated education system is an arc to complete the ideal state. In his own words; state, as he wrote about education, was his intellect, because no one wrote about education so well.
Concept of Education.
Aristotle's theory of education is essentially unique. As he declares it as an integral part of the state and according to his views the ideal state cannot be achieved without education. Like Plato, Aristotle's educational thought was inseparable from his description of the search for the highest good for human beings in life. Thus, Aristotle holds that ethics is a part of politics; and so is politics a part of ethics. This leads him to argue that the end of individuals and states is the same. Since human beings cannot realize their potential without regard to the social life that is essential to the formation of their mind and character, an inquiry into the nature of society is a necessary companion to an inquiry into the nature of ethics.
Kinds Of Education
Aristotle divides education into two parts and builds on them.
1) Physical Education,
He says that in order to get physical education one should exercise/exercise. They may include; gymnastics, physical exercise, a type of movement course with music, etc.
2) Mental education,
Aristotle says that this kind of education includes research, ethical learning, mental games, logical challenges, as well as one's own mental abilities.
Characteristics of Aristotle's theory of education
After a thorough analysis of his theory, we came to know about the following characteristics of his theory.
Education is free,
Aristotle was a staunch supporter of the idea that education is for the free man. But on the other hand, he neglected and contradicted his own views on freedom.
Under state control,
He says that education should be under the control of the state for the real welfare of the people. It flourishes without any harmful factors. Aristotle believed that, contrary to the common practice of his time, education was the responsibility of the state. Therefore, he developed a real education policy.
Research is the foundation of education,
From Aristotle's point of view, education is based on research methodology. It provides mental abilities and a new dimension of diverse nature to citizens.
Achieving the goals of the state,
Aristotle states that state goals can be achieved to make it ideal. He considered only the educated masses as fit and competent to achieve the state's goals. No other or other than such are eligible.
Education with music,
He thinks that higher education is the duty of the state and added the concept of music to higher education. According to him, music is food for the soul. So it is important for ethical education.
Objectives Of Education.
According to Aristotle, an integrated education system is necessary to formulate the ideal state. For Aristotle, the goal of education is identical to the goal of man. It is obvious that all forms of education are explicitly or implicitly aimed at the human ideal. But Aristotle believes that education is necessary for a person's complete self-realization. The highest good that everyone desires is happiness. But for Aristotle, the happy man is neither the noble savage, nor man in his natural state, but the educated man. A happy person, a good person, is a virtuous person, but virtues are acquired precisely through education. Ethics and education merge into one another. Aristotle's ethical works are textbooks on the art of living.
Character formation,
Aristotle's state, in both its kinds, supports and develops individual skills and potential. And so the masses become citizens of the state.
Reality success,
It is education by which the reality of the world can be attained. Education gives an individual a new vision for a wider perspective of the world.
Education as a nation builder,
He declared education to be an integral part of an ideal state because it prepares the nation with unity. In his winning words; "The state I say is unity in diversity, which should become a community through education".
CONCLUSION
Aristotle's theory of education is present in his famous books Politics and Ethics, according to Aristotle, an integral education system is necessary to formulate an ideal state. It also emphasizes education that prepares individuals to become citizens of the state. He says it shapes people's character. He further divided it into five stages, and each stage has its own significance. This theory has been criticized by various thinkers and analysts, but it is good-natured to some extent. So it seems that Aristotle also envisaged public education for girls. Such education would lead to 'beauty and greatness, chastity and a love of work without greed'.
We therefore conclude that education must be regulated by law and that it must be controlled by the state. We must now consider the nature and methods of public education. At present there is some difference of opinion as to the subjects to be taught, nor is it clear whether education should be more concerned with the intellectual or the moral character.
You must be logged in to post a comment.