After discussing the meaning and concept of both education and philosophy, it is not very difficult to describe the relationship between the two. Apparently, there seems to be little connection between them. One is science while the other is an art. One is speculative while the other is practical.
But philosophy determines the supreme aim of life and sets standards and values that should guide and direct man’s educational efforts to achieve them. Thus philosophy is a major concern of education. There is, in fact, an intimate relationship between philosophy and education which may be described briefly as under.
Image Source: static1.1.sqspcdn.com
Firstly, Philosophy Points out the Way, to be followed by Education:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
We have already said, education means modification of the child’s native behaviour. But the problem is in which direction modification should be carried out and what should be the standards and values, to strive for. This problem is solved by philosophy which points out the way to be followed by the educator in the modification of the child’s behaviour. Philosophy, thus, deals with the ends and education is a laboratory’ in which philosophic theories and speculations are tested and made concrete.
Education may, therefore, be rightly called applied philosophy. Philosophy is wisdom; education transmits that wisdom from one generation to the other. Philosophy is in reality the theory of education. In other words, education is the dynamic side of philosophy, or application of the fundamental principles of philosophy. Philosophy formulates the method, education its process. Philosophy gives ideals, values and principles. Education works out those ideals, values and principles.
Secondly, Education is the Best Means for the Propagation of Philosophy:
A philosopher is a constant seeker of truth. He contemplates on the real nature of the universe, the real nature of man and man’s destiny. It is only after a good deal of contemplation and deliberation that he arrives at the truth and lays down certain aims, ideals and values. He then tries to live in accordance with those aims and values and also wants others to be converted to his beliefs and live according to them.
This he can achieve through education which is the best means for the propagation of his philosophy. Ross has beautifully summed up this point, when he says, “Philosophy and education are two sides of the same coins where the former is the contemplative while the latter is the active side.” “Education then,” as Sir John Adam has put it, “is the dynamic side of philosophy.” Philosophy sets the goal of life; education provides the means for its achievement. Education becomes more prominent than philosophy as action speaks louder than words or belief. A belief that is vital, results in a prominent education effort.
Thirdly, all Great Philosophers of the World Have Also Been Great Educators:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
The intimate relationship between philosophy and education is established in yet another way. The great philosophers of all times from Plato to the present day have also been great educators. They reflected their philosophical view on their educational schemes. Most of the education movements of the world, owe their origin to the philosophical school of different philosophers.
The reason is that when a philosopher wishes to spread his ideas they converted their forest homes into schools with a view to preserve the finest results of their life-long meditation for the coming generations. The ideals of Lord Buddha were practiced and preached through a well-organised system of monasteries, which were also great centers of Buddhist education.
Great European philosophers like. Locke, Rousseau and Spencer were also great educators. In modern times, Tagore and Gandhi, the great thinkers and philosophers of India and John Dewey of America, took keen interest in the educational problems of their respective countries and involved new systems of education based of their own ideals.
Fourthly, Philosophy determines all the Broad Aspects of Education:
In fact, all the problems of education are problems of philosophy. It is philosophy that provides aims to education. These aims determine the curriculum, the methods of teaching, the problems of school organisation and school discipline and also the role of the teacher in the educational process.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Thus so long as we need aims of education, based on the ultimate goal of life (and this need will always be there) philosophy will continue influencing and determining both the matter and the method of education. It will continue making a unique contribution to the development of the educational theory and practice.
Lastly, Modern Philosophies Have a Special Impact:
In 19th century there was the influence of the concept of mechanism of Physics. Psychology and Economics Neo-Darwinism gave rise to the acceptance of the principle of struggle for existence, cut-throat competition gradual process of adaptation of the purposiveness of life (or elanvital), intellectualism and man’s faith in reason.
Emphasis on knowledge received universal acceptance. In 20th century, the two world wars, and the consequent the destruction wrought by the application of science gave rise to less of faith in mere intellect. Humanism, faith to higher principle and values of life, character development and emotional integration received greater impetus. There began a distrust of mere logic. So new schools of philosophy originated trying to synthesise science and religion. The present age is the age of re-union. The period of synthesis, both in philosophy and in education.