key term - Idealism

Definition

Idealism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of the mind and ideas over material reality, suggesting that knowledge is best understood through intellectual and moral development. This philosophy posits that the ultimate goal of education is to cultivate the intellect and character of students, encouraging them to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness. It also stresses the value of classical knowledge, focusing on great works of literature, philosophy, and art as means to shape one's thoughts and ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Idealism sees the development of individual character and intellect as essential components of education, encouraging students to think critically and reflectively.
2. Idealists advocate for a curriculum centered around classical subjects like literature, philosophy, and the arts, as they believe these areas contribute significantly to moral and intellectual growth.
3. The emphasis on ideas in idealism often leads to a focus on discussions, debates, and critical thinking exercises in the classroom.
4. In an idealist educational setting, teachers are viewed as guides who inspire students to explore big ideas and foster their innate potential.
5. Idealism has influenced various educational practices, including the Socratic method, which promotes inquiry-based learning through questioning and dialogue.

Review Questions

• How does idealism shape the role of educators in the classroom?
  • In an idealist classroom, educators are seen as facilitators who guide students in their pursuit of knowledge. They focus on inspiring students to engage with great ideas and encourage critical thinking. By creating an environment rich in discussion and exploration, teachers help students connect with classical literature and philosophy, nurturing both their intellectual abilities and moral character.
• Compare and contrast idealism with realism in terms of their approach to knowledge and education.
  • Idealism focuses on ideas and the mind as the primary sources of knowledge, emphasizing moral development and intellectual growth through engagement with classical works. In contrast, realism prioritizes the material world and empirical evidence as the basis for understanding. While idealists seek to develop character through abstract thought, realists emphasize practical experiences and observable phenomena as essential for learning.
• Evaluate the implications of an idealist approach to education on student engagement and curriculum design in contemporary classrooms.
  • An idealist approach can lead to higher student engagement by encouraging deep discussions about meaningful concepts that resonate with their values. This focus on intellectual inquiry fosters a love for learning that goes beyond mere facts. However, it may also challenge contemporary educators to balance this philosophical perspective with practical skills needed in today's job market, prompting a need for curriculum design that integrates both classic ideals and real-world applications.

Related terms

Plato:

An ancient Greek philosopher who is often associated with idealism, particularly through his theory of Forms, which posits that non-material abstract forms represent the most accurate reality.

Objective Idealism: A branch of idealism that suggests that the ideal world exists independently of our perceptions and thoughts, impacting how we understand reality.

Moral Education: An educational approach that focuses on instilling ethical values and moral principles in students, closely linked to idealistic philosophies that prioritize character development.