Plato’s contribution to the study of the philosophy of education

 Plato’s contribution to the study of the philosophy of education

 Philosophers play a crucial role in endorsing the vital aspects of life. Education is one of the essential parts that philosophers enhanced and improved. Their views and principles are embraced up to date since they are well advanced in their delivery of issues. They used logic and superb reasoning in delivering quality results. Their impact is evident, and their views are considered in all aspects of life. Plato is one of the great philosophers (Selden, 2014). His study and reforms in the study of the philosophy of education are based on pure reason and count a lot in school. Therefore, this essay will discuss Plato’s contribution to the study of the philosophy of education.

Plato contributed to the theory of art that is dance, poetry, architecture and drama. This led to music geared towards inculcating moral in society (Magrini,2017). Dancing was aimed at developing bodily strength and vigour.It also designed for entertainment. He also led to the development of gymnastics which was offered to youths. He strongly supported that education was to be incorporated in all aspects for quality results of the system. Categorically, he also imparted skills and philosophical knowledge to other philosophers such as Aristotle. Hence, his impact on education was passed to different generations.

Plato as well contributed to the theory of education. His foundation of the school of philosophy, commonly called ‘The academy’ played a significant role in his understanding of knowledge. It was founded in 387 BC, and it was the first institution of higher learning in Greece (Roth, 2015). It became the intellectual centre in Greece and the equivalent of the first university in the history of Europe. It continued for over 900 years until it was dissolved it in 529 A.D. along with other Pagan institutions. The ultimate object of all activities at The Academy was to achieve final philosophic truth.  The method of teaching was by question and answer, argument, and discussion.  Plato did give some lectures, but his primary method was oral discussion and dialogue (comparable to the modern-day seminar class). He also wrote a book called the republic . In his scheme of education of education, he divided people into the categories that are the familiar people,the citizens and the rulers which improved knowledge. Therefore the academy was essential  in the study of education, and he was able to inculcate positivity in his research. Moreover, people learnt much from the academy, and much is related to the present.

Plato contributed to equal education in both male and female.He treated school as a crucial part of the wellbeing of a human being in understanding the idea of good and be virtuous as an aim of education (Magrini, 2017). Having been born and grew up in Greece, his exposure in education matters was vast. He learned in the Athenian education, which emphasized on educating the boys. Girls and women were discriminated and perhaps acquired little skills such as domestic skills. He stated that education should be offered according to an individual natural abilities. He advocated all aspects of education should be given to. All their military affairs and the gymnastics pieces of training done in Greece impacted him. Therefore, he embraced a call for delivering quality education to all members based on their will and capabilities.

Plato, in his study of the philosophy of education, contributed to creating good teacher-student rapport in upholding quality education( Cornford,2014). He stated that a teacher’s role in education has a significant role. Learning, according to Plato, only takes place when the student and teacher love each other. Students will only be willing to learn and will emulate the teacher after shown care and love. He as well emphasized that all areas of learning should be embraced the spiritual and physical exercises such as gymnastics. He was doing this led to a proper understanding of knowledge since the psychological development of each student grows accordingly. Hence Plato contributed to creating quality education in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

In conclusion, Plato contributed to a better understanding of education. In his study, he focused on all aspects of learning. He contributed to a quality education system. Moreover, he also significantly helped in enhancing diversity and non –discrimination processes in education. There contributed to equal opportunities in education.

Reference

Selden, R. (Ed.). (2014). The theory of criticism: From Plato to the present: A reader. Routledge.

Magrini, J. M. (2017). Plato’s Socrates, Philosophy and Education. Springer.

Cornford, F. M. (2014). Plato and Parmenides. Routledge.

Roth, A. D. (2015). Plato’s educational foundations and the future of college teaching. Journal of Philosophy and History of Education, 65(1), 1-14.