Implications Of Idealism In Educational System Flashcards
INTRODUCTION
Idealism is a very old philosophical thought and it has exercised a potent influence on the mind of man throughout the ages. Even in modern times when people are not inclined towards accepting any dogmatic creed or philosophy, idealism has certain attractions which appeal to the human mind and thereby exercise a great influence on human thinking. In education the influence of idealism has gone a long way to restrict some of the radical thinking and establish the worth of the eternal ideals and values of life. please consider subscribing our video channel
(a) ABSOLUTE IDEALISM
It is the one type which has found its way into educational philosophy. This lays down that the heart of reality is to be found in thought or reason. Reason is absolute; in fact it is the absolute. Being absolute, it is also one i.e., monistic. Everything, thus, is interrelated and all contradictions reconciled. Furthermore the complete cause of any single occurrence involves the whole of reality. The cosmos is great thought process, and the absolute is god thinking. Everything happens as a result of the self-willed idea i. e. absolute. The absolute is already complete, and self-realized. Nature is the medium through which the absolute progressively reveals itself in external form. Mind of man however, is a part of the absolute whole. The absolute being the whole and education being a part thereof, it may be that study of the fragment may reveal important facts of the totality.
(b) MODERN IDEALISM
It has given a different tune to educational philosophy. In this concept idealism more to do this idea as metal state. n this idealism might be called a philosophy of idealism. The `I` of idealism being interested for euphony. The knowledge one has of his environment is idea of it. The environment in itself cannot be known through intermediate idea of it. The environments in itself cannot be known directly. It can only be known through intermediate idea of human knower. From which the learner’s knowledge takes, therefore, is bound to be in part the product of his human way of apprehending it. Such concepts are supplied by the mind of human learning.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF IDEALISM
The fundamental principles of idealism are:
IDEALISM AND AIMS OF EDUCATION
Idealism prescribes certain fundamental aims of education which are directly influenced by the aims and principles of life. In this context Ross puts forth the view, “The function of education is to help us in our exploration of the ultimate universal values so that truth of the universe may become our truth and give power to our life.’’ Some of the important aims of education as laid down by idealists are given below
IDEALISM AND CURRICULUM
While developing curriculum, idealists give more importance to thought, feelings, ideals and values than to the child and his activities. They firmly hold that curriculum should be concerned with the whole humanity and its experiences. It must consist of humanities.
IDEALISM AND METHODS 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:
IDEALISM AND DISCIPLINE
Naturalism provides unrestricted freedom to the child whereas Idealism wants to keep the child under discipline. Idealists believe that there can be no spiritual development of the child without discipline. This leads to inner discipline. “The discipline is not to be imposed on pupils. The teacher has only to help them to develop self discipline and through that self knowledge”
IDEALISM AND TEACHER
Idealism assigns a special role to the teacher. It considers teacher as a spiritual guide for the child. The teacher serves as a living model for the student. He sets the environment in which education takes place. He carries the child from darkness to light. He is to guide the student towards utmost possible perfection
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.
EVALUATION OF IDEALISM
(1)The common criticism regarding Idealism is that it is an abstract and vague doctrine. It avoids the present realities and prepares the child for the next world.
CONCLUSION
Idealism may be considered to be outmoded in the prevailing scientific world view. Idealistic concepts like ‘spirit’, ‘mind’, ‘soul’, and ‘the cosmos’ have little relevance in the class-room teaching. There is too much emphasis on good manners and modesty which may be mistaken. It neglects child’s psychological nature. Idealism does not contribute to methods of teaching. It sets unobtainable goals. Idealistic scheme of education, by and large, pays attention to physical, industrial, social and electronic environment of today. It neglects social aspects of life. It over emphasizes humanity and under rates science and technology. In all, we can say that idealistic approach to education has its own merits and shortcomings. It should, therefore, be supplemented by other philosophy or philosophies of education. READ ALSO : IMPLICATIONS OF PRAGMATISM IN EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF VIVEKANANDA