ACADEMIC RATIONALISM Introduction Assumptions The goal of education Curriculum Method Educated person

Introduction Elliot Eisner (1985) in Orientations to the Curriculum The Educational Imagination stresses the study of science and liberal education for everyone as the most worthy subject matter. Therefore, everyone should learn common educational experiences because “What’s best for the best is best for the rest”

It is a conservative and traditionally- bound philosophy which draws its ideas from both idealism and realism. The function of education being to: transmit the human past culture, values and ideas. enable the young to acquire the tools to participate in the Western cultural tradition. provide access to the greatest ideas and beliefs created by man.

Focus of Academic Rationalist Learning the truth for its own sake not for preparation for vocational skills. Learning valued ideas of important people accumulated at different periods of human evolution. Stressing on common needs because they are not different from person to person. Knowledge is unified and unchanging

The goal of education 1. Search and transmit unchanging and everlasting principles and values which are believed to be worth knowing. 2. To develop individual’s intellect.

Curriculum It emphasizes: curriculum of everlasting and universal truths, values and knowledge being the contemporary and the past themes. These includes subjects of liberal arts: literature, history, philosophy arts, mathematics, theology and religious instruction. These subjects are the best vehicle for fostering wisdom and morality.

Emphasizes basic skills: reading, writing and counting as if you learn these skills you can do and learn anything. They will enable a person to participate in all social affairs and will also gain skills for vocation. The classical disciplines provide concepts and criteria through which thoughts acquire precision, generality and power. Mathematics is emphasized as if you know mathematics you will be ready for anything.

This perspective deemphasizes practical trainings and vocational studies. Vocational training dilutes the quality of education and deprives students the opportunity to study subjects that reflect man’s enduring quest for meaning. It does not consider specialization as true education because the nature of knowledge is not specialized.

Educated person The one who: can read and understand the works that the great disciplines have produced. is intellectually developed and who has been prepared for life conditions. master the truths discovered through centuries.

Method Exposition and analysis, library search, discussion. The role of the teacher Impart knowledge and give assignments. Academic Rationalism is generally emphazing bookish education.