1. Perennialism
By Tyler Courdy

2. Defining Perennialism
Origin
Kind of flower
Annual flowers: Flowers that grow and bloom for a season then completely die.
Perennial flowers: Flowers that grow, bloom, die, hibernate for winter, and then bloom again. Cycle repeats.
Perennialism asserts that history and the actions performed by humanity are essentially repeats of what has already happened.
They desire to learn from the past, and to add to it so humanity can grow and flourish more every generation.

3. Its general Philosophy
Aristotelian and realism
The philosophy that is closest related to perennialism is realism
They believe in objectivity
The use of rationality and reason
The idea of objective and universal truth
Perennialists believe that education should seek to teach these truths to the younger generations. This includes:
so they can add to their knowledge and
to pursue ancient success innovations and techniques
to avoid old mistakes.

4. Metaphysics Perennialism declares: Universe as is observed is real
Truth exists and is objective

5. Epistemology Senses reliable Senses usually objective
Utilize sense and observation to learn about external world
Utilize rationality and reason to learn about the external world

6. Epistemology Cartoon!!

7. Axiology
Right and wrong are defined by what has been decided by former generations that resounds objectively true.
Universal right and wrong exist
These truths apply at all times, places and events
Morality is objective
What brings truth is valuable
Art forms that demonstrate innovation of the time and have changed that field of art are very precious
The “classics” are considered of the highest beauty

8. Ideology Believe in basic conservative principles Tradition good
Tradition transmits past truths and universal values to our current generation
Primary function of school is education
Truth is universal, and timeless
Education is about learning truth
Therefore education is focused on learning universal values, principles, and truths
School should adhere to its sole function of education

9. Structure of Classroom
Traditional class structure and Socratic method is utilized
Formal relationship between teacher and student
Teacher as a guide to learning
Students typically read classics and discuss to learn
Teacher guides and reveals truths as needed

10. Examples of Perennial Schools
The Core Curriculum of Columbia College of Columbia University
The University of Chicago's Common Core
St. John's College, U.S.
Integral Program at Saint Mary's College of California
Shimer College in Chicago
The Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University
George Wythe University

11. Perennial University a Closer Look Columbia University
“In thy light shall we see light”
World renown Ivy League University
Known for its specializations and prolific research and innovations in the sciences, particularly in pharmaceuticals.
Columbia asserts a strong belief in the student being grounded in an array of topics prior to specialization.
This includes classics and being taught many traditional ideas, concepts and values.
Every year a reminder is posted in the notorious and anonymous article title Midnight Hours
A romanticized view of college life and the discussion Columbian Students have about life, philosophy, and politics as the night wastes away.
Clearly they value the classics and a grasp on a wide span of topics, of course they also move to a specialization after G.E.

12. Strengths Perennialism
Utilize senses, rationality, and reason to learn about the world
Value the past for its accomplishments and hope to add onto these accomplishments
Does not dilute content for practical purposes
Uses teacher as a guide not a guru
Students learn from reading and discussing, rather than rote note-taking
Use the education institute to first and foremost educate about truth.
Not to push agendas, nor for social work, nor counseling

13. Weaknesses of Perennialism
Argued too traditional at times
Lacks practical use at times and does not accommodate this issue
Focuses too much on what has happened in the far past and does not deal with recent developments, techniques, or current issues
Does not usually (unlike Columbia) promote a deep specialization, until after exhaustive study in many areas

14. The Christian educational Philosophy
Teacher as a guide
Education should have a spiritual integration
Knowledge should attempt to be applicable especially in spiritual life
Utilize the Bible for core values and truths

15. How Perennialism compares to Christian Educational theory
Secular Perennials use solely senses and reason to come to truth and omit the Bible and God
Secular Perennials do not emphasize any sort of spirituality
Perennialism can be too rigid at times
While education is the primary focus of school, it should also incorporate other activities and focuses too
Fellowship
Worship
Counseling
Encouraging
Prayer
Other important skills such as team work, and research skills.

16. In Conclusion Perennialism has many great qualities, But,
Like all theories, one theory is not a panacea and needs a balance of practical, and spiritual emphases as well.