Idealism GROUP 1 Presenter : Sonam Choden Sherab Tenzin Chimi Dorji Kezang Wangchuk. Babjey. Ugyen Thinley

Presentation outline Definition History Leaders of idealism Methods of Idealism Principle of Idealism Idealism as a philosophy of Educational Aims

What is Idealism?

Definition Idealism is a term with several related meanings. It comes directly from the Greek "idealismos" which derives from the word (idea). The term entered the English language by 1796. In ordinary use, as when speaking of Woodrow Wilsons political idealism it often suggests the formation and influence of ideals, the importance of principles, values and goals as well as present realities, perhaps a tendency to represent things as they might be rather than as they are.

Idealism is the philosophical theory which maintains that experience is ultimately based on mental activity. In literature, idealism refers to the thoughts or ideas of the writer. Man has two facets: spiritual and material . When the emphasis is on realization of spiritual life, it is called idealism. Idealist does not have considerations for material values of life. To the idealist ‘Mind and Soul’ rather than the ‘Matter and the Body’ are more important.

Idealist believe that ideas are the only true reality. The material world is characterized by change, instability, and uncertainty; some ideas are enduring We should be concerned primarily with the search for truth. Since truth is perfect and eternal, it cannot be found in the world of matter that is both imperfect and constantly changing. Idealist have idolized the Mind beyond everything. Idealism is the philosophical theory that reality is essentially mental or spiritual. Idealism is opposed to materialism, the theory that reality is physical

History Idealism is the oldest system of philosophy known to man. Its origins go back to ancient India in the East, and to Plato in the West. Its basic viewpoint stresses the human spirit as the most important element in life. The universe is viewed as essentially nonmaterial in its ultimate nature. Although Idealist philosophers vary enormously on many specifics, they agree on the following two points: 1. The human spirit is the most important element in life; and 2. The universe is essentially nonmaterial in its ultimate nature. Idealism is one of the most important philosophies that have ever been formulated. This talks of the attainment of perfection of human beings. The term is derived from Greek word that means ‘to see’. Plato is the father of idealism. The basic belief of idealism is that man is a combination of spiritual and material aspects of the two, spiritual aspect is considered to be more important. An idealist gives more importance to the mind and self than the matter and body.

Development / Leaders of Idealism Socrates (469-399 BC) Plato (427-347 BC) St. Augustine (350-4300 Descartes (1596-1650) Berkeley (1685-1753) Kent (1724-1804)

Socrates Regarded as the father of philosophy Believed we learned through questioning (the Socratic method) Wrote nothing, what we know of his views were written by his followers, most notably Plato

Plato A student of Socrates Known as the father of idealism Operated a school named the “Academy”

Plato’s views toward education The state must take an active role in educational matters The curriculum must lead bright students from a concern with concrete data toward abstract thinking Students with little ability for abstraction should go into the military, business and industry.

Those who demonstrate proficiency in the dialectic would continue their education and become philosophers in positions of power to lead the state toward the highest good (the Philosopher-King) Believed both boys and girls should be educated and girls should be equals.

Augustine (354-430) People do not create knowledge; God has already created it, but people can discover it through trying to find God.

Augustine’s Beliefs Women were held in low regard (this view was incorporated into the church and held for a thousand years) Only a few people possessed the mental ability to quest for the truth. Therefore most people should rely on the church for knowledge.

Augustine used Greek writings but began to have doubts how people who did not know God could write anything which could be of value to Christians. In 401 the Church outlawed pagan writings such as Plato and Aristotle (even the church leaders were not allowed to read the ancient literature). This continued for 1000 years.

Augustine’s Beliefs about Teaching Encouraged the use of summaries Believed teachers should teach through persuasion and by leading impeccable lives. Teachers should not expect to increase their worldly stores through teaching. The “stick and fist” were needed to keep students in line since people were wicked (because of Adam).

Descartes (1596-1650) A renown mathematician Wrestled with the question of what was real and did he really exist (perhaps he was a dream). He finally concluded: “I think, therefore I am” Thinking and ideas are the ultimate truth.

George Berkeley (1685-1753) Existence is dependent upon some mind to know it, and if there are no minds, nothing would exist unless it is perceived in the mind of God.

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) “…the greatest and most difficult problem to which a man can devote himself is the problem of education…” Education should teach students how to think according to principles - moral laws, moral ideals and moral imperatives Enlightenment is the goal of education

Methods of Idealism Study the classics for universal truths Mathematics (2+2=4 is an absolute truth) Dialectic (critical discussion) The dialectic looks at both sides of an issue Lecture is used to transmit known truths and to stimulate thinking.

Principle of Idealism Principle of universe mind Man is spiritual being Ideas and values are superior to materialistic world Real knowledge in perceived in mind

Idealism as a philosophy of Educational Aims Develop the mind Search for true ideas Character development Self-realization True education is concerned with ideas rather than matter. The idealists wants to give students a broad understanding of the world in which they live.

EDUCATIONAL THEORY OF MODERN IDEALISM Aims of Education Curriculum The teaching learning process Methods of Teaching

The Teaching-Learning Process Idealists have high expectations of the teacher. The teacher must be excellent, in order to serve as an example for the student, both intellectually and morally. No other single element in the school system is more important than the teacher. The teacher must excel in knowledge and in human insight into the needs and capacities of the learners; and must demonstrate moral excellence in personal conduct and convictions. The teacher must also exercise great creative skill in providing opportunities for the learners' minds to discover, analyze, unify, synthesize and create applications of knowledge to life and behavior. 

Methods of Teaching The classroom structure and atmosphere should provide the learners with opportunities to think, and to apply the criteria of moral evaluation to concrete within the context of the subjects. The teaching methods must encourage the acquisition of facts, as well as skill in reflecting on these facts. It is not sufficient to teach pupils how to think. It is very important that what pupils think about be factual; otherwise, they will simply compound their ignorance.  Teaching methods should encourage learners to enlarge their horizons; stimulate reflective thinking; encourage personal moral choices; provide skills in logical thinking; provide opportunities to apply knowledge to moral and social problems; stimulate interest in the subject content; and encourage learners to accept the values of human civilization

Bhutanese context. Eg:….

Idealism and education Interested in search for truth through ideas, with truth comes responsibility to enlightens other “education is transformation: ideas can change lives”. Role of a teacher is to bring out what is really there in students(reminiscence) Plato believed education helped moved individuals collectively towards achieving good. The state should be involved in education, moving brighter students towards abstract ideas and the less able towards collecting data- a gender free tracking system.

Cont….. Evils comes through ignorance, education will lead to obliteration of evil Idealism emphasizes on inductive reasoning/lecturing and dialogue.

conclusion So, In idealism, the aim of education is to discover and develop each individual's abilities and full moral excellence in order to better serve society. The curricular emphasis is subject matter of mind: literature, history, philosophy, and religion. Teaching methods focus on handling ideas through lecture, discussion, and Socratic dialogue (a method of teaching that uses questioning to help students discover and clarify knowledge).

References Taneja, V.R.(1995) Education Thought and Practice. Sterling Publishers Pvt.Ltd.New Delhi. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/education_idealism http://www.iscv.org/Civic_Idealism/civic_idealism.html http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/281802/idealism/68511/Basic-doctrines-and-principles http://www.seanet.com/~realistic/idealism.html

GROUP 1 Thank you