Philosopher Graphic Organizer Philosopher: Plato

Philosopher Graphic Organizer

Philosopher: Plato

Summery of Educational Contributions:

In Plato's Republic, the philosopher makes several statements about the importance of education and education method, especially in terms of philosophical education. In her important work on the subject -- "Education in Plato's Republic" -- Ariel Dillon suggests that Plato contributes two very separate accounts of education to the realm of educational philosophy. In the first account, Socrates, who dictates Plato's philosophies, discusses the importance of education for representatives of the military. They should be trained, according to Plato, to both exhibit ferocity with their enemies as well as a "gentle[ness]" with their "familiars" (Dillon 2004). Through this type of education, the military men will be trained as a type of noble, according to Plato. Similarly, Plato suggests that both music and gymnastics are necessary for educating the military men, music "for the soul" and gymnastics "for the body." Instead of being trained to think critically in terms of philosophical education, the military education includes simply recognition of what is familiar and what is not familiar, along with a training that advocates attacking what is not familiar (Dillon 2004). In the second account, Plato discusses the education of the philosopher-kings, or city rulers, which is entirely different than the education of the military men. Instead of being centered on action, philosopher kings' education is concerned with determining those who are able to reason and philosophize and honing those skills in the ones who are able.

Influence Toward My Educational Philosophy:

While Plato's discussion of the military education vs. The education of the philosopher kings had to do with two different classes of people, its application to today's education and my educational philosophy is in terms of learning styles and levels. While some students are philosopher-kings, those who enjoy learning and the critical thinking process and who are considering university, others are military men, those who need action-specific education and are more suited towards a profession. One group displays a hands-on learning style while the other is more suited to book leaning. While both groups' ways of learning are acceptable and innovative, they are very different, and, as a teacher, I must try to cater to each learning style and level.

Philosopher: Aristotle

Summery of Educational Contributions:

Aristotle's contribution to the educational realm is combined with his contribution to both politics and ethics. The philosopher believed that the community or society was of the highest order and that any action undertaken by the individual should be to increase the general welfare of all through the society. Thus, Aristotle described education as a never-ending process through which students learn about the perfect good that the community could become. Additionally, Aristotle furthered the field of educational philosophy by creating subjects and a logical inquiry process, insisting that education be moral or ethical, and defining it as intertwined with politics to such a great extent that the best and most necessary education is a state-sponsored education (Chambliss 2008).

Influence Toward My Educational Philosophy:

Practically, Aristotle's creation of subjects and his primitive research, which set the foundation for further research, influenced my educational philosophy by insisting the importance of a pragmatic education and establishing the tools for that education -- research. Aristotle's contribution, therefore, shaped my understanding of the purpose of education -- a means toward intellectual inquiry. Furthermore, Aristotle's combination of ethics with morality and politics has shaped the teacher's oath stating that he or she should do no harm, in addition to contributing to what I understand as the goal of education -- to further the goodwill of human kind and society.

Philosopher: John Stuart Mill

Dates: 1806-1873

Summary of Educational Contributions: