Definition of Idealism Philosophy of Education & Examples
What is Idealism Philosophy?
Idealism is a philosophical tradition that emphasizes the belief in human progress. It is an optimistic philosophy, which holds that there is more good than bad people and that humanity can be improved by education.
Idealism is a philosophical system that emphasizes the role of consciousness in constituting reality. The term “idealism” originated from the Latin word ”Idealis” meaning, “to form,” or “be formed.”
Proponents of Idealism Philosophy
It was introduced into philosophy by George Berkeley and developed further by John Stuart Mill (1773–1836), who regarded it as an enemy of natural science; Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860); Friedrich Engels; Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914); Josiah Royce (1855- 1916); Ernst Cassirer( 1874 – 1945).
Other many philosophers have been classified as idealists, including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, and Hegel
Idealism was a philosophical movement of the late 18th and mid-19th centuries that originated in Germany. It spread throughout Europe, influencing fields such as art, philosophy, and political thought.
One of its central metaphysical tenets is that reality exists independently from consciousness; thus, there is no objective idealism or absolute idealism because we can never know anything about an external world, only our impressions of it, which are relative to each individual’s state of mind at any given moment in time.
Idealism argues for the supremacy of the mind over matter, or in other words, reality consists solely of mental states.
The idealist believes sense experience is an illusion and only one’s own thoughts exist (and even then not independently from the thinker).
Thus we need to understand what the philosophy of education means from an Idealistic point of view.
Idealism is one of the most widely accepted philosophies in the world. The idea of Idealism is that education should be driven by what is best for the individual.
Idealism Philosophy of Education
What Is Idealism in Education
Idealism in education philosophy is a branch of philosophy that aims to identify and develop each individual’s abilities and full moral excellence in order to serve society better.
The idealism curricular emphasis is the subject matter of mind: literature, history, philosophy, and religion.
A society where humanity and education go hand in hand Idealism is the philosophy that argues that reality is largely mental rather than physical. The idea is that there is a perfect world where everything is perfect.
Education is not just learning to read, write, and use a computer; it also encompasses a communal, social, and psychological aspect that should be right for the individual. Idealism philosophy relates to education through the idea of a perfect world.
Educational philosophy is the branch of philosophy that concerns the nature of the subject matter and ways of teaching studied.
The term “education” is derived from the Latin word “educatio,” which means “bringing up, training, rearing, instruction, and cultivation.”
There are many different schools of thought on the benefits of education. Idealism of education is one of these schools of thought which is defined as “a view that sees education as a means of;
- Fostering the growth of the mind.
- Forming an individual’s character and personality
- Providing a vehicle for social betterment.
Idealism’s idea and mission are to create an educational atmosphere where children only do what they enjoy and believe in.
This is done through having an equal amount of time for each subject and having people from different professions come in and talk about what they do.
Idealism in Education Curriculum
For the curriculum, idealistic ideas come out just as people feel that learning is primarily an intellectual process. Teaching connects concepts to teach students.
Education is highly organized, and liberal arts education is one of the best examples of this. Humanities are considered as the most relevant topics since they deal with ideas.
Science is lower on the scale since it deals with observation.
Since the goal of education under the philosophy of idealism is to make a child an ideal or a spiritual man, the curriculum should be structured to allow the child to grow completely.
For example: For Intellectual development in children’s language, literature, philosophy, social sciences, science, mathematics, etc., is suggested in the curriculum.
Many well-known educators advocated idealism. Among them are William Harris, Fredrich Froebel, and William Bennett.
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Characteristics of Idealism in Education
- The idealist believes that education is the key to a better society.
- They believe in the power of education and its ability to create change.
- Idealists argue that knowledge should be freely available for all people, regardless of their social class or economic status.
- They believe in equality among all people, including those who are not considered “normal” by society’s standards (e.g., disabled individuals).
- Idealism is a belief in the perfectibility of humankind.
- It is an ideology that stresses the importance of ideas and ideals, especially related to education.
- Idealists believe that people can be educated and improved through their own efforts.
- The goal of idealism is to create a better society by improving people’s lives and minds.
Implications of Idealism for Education
Some of the implications of idealism for education include:
- Idealism in education allows people to become more rational.
- Education is said to have the objective of contributing to the growth of the overall community.
- The goal is to preserve, enrich and spread cultural values.
- To build a positive relationship between a student and an instructor.
Importance of Idealism in Education
Idealism is a philosophical view that the world can be improved. The term “idealism” was first used as an insult and referred to someone who had impractical or unrealistic ideas about how society could be changed.
- Idealistic people are more likely to support social reform, including education reform.
- Educational idealists believe in learning by doing, not just listening and reading.
Criticism of Idealism in education
What are the Criticisms & Weaknesses of Idealism in Education?
- Idealism is not a complete philosophy as it lacks practicality and is unrealistic.
- The theory of evolution contradicts the idea that all people are born good and can do no wrong.
- There is an emphasis on individuality, but this may be detrimental to society as a whole.
- Idealism is not practical as it does not account for the realities of life. It is too vague and abstract.
- It neglects to teach students how to deal with adversity and failure.
- The idealist believes that all students can be successful, but this is not always true.
- The idealist fails to recognize the importance of discipline in education.
Types of Idealism
- Epistemological Idealism
- Metaphysical Idealism.
- Platonic Idealism.
- Aristotelian Idealism.
- Kantian Idealism.
- Absolute Idealism.
- Critical Idealism.
- Moralistic Idealism
Idealism vs. Realism
Difference Between Idealism and Realism
What’s the difference between idealism and Realism?
Idealism |
Realism |
| Idealism is an idea or theory that is based on what one would like to happen, not necessarily on reality.
A belief in the possibility of a perfect society where people live without conflict and injustice. |
Realism is a doctrine that we can know only phenomena and their relations, as they are presented to us in experience; what cannot be experienced does not exist. There are no transcendent entities (such as God) beyond the world of sense perception. |
| The difference between the two is that idealists believe in a perfect world, | While realists are more grounded and focus on improving what already exists
|
| Idealists are often seen as dreamers. | While realists have practical solutions to problems. |
| The difference between the two is that idealists see what they want to see and believe in their dreams. | While realists are more grounded in reality and focus on what can be achieved
|
| For a society to function well, it needs both types of people- idealists who keep things going by believing in the future. | Realism to make sure everything runs smoothly
|
Comparison/Similarities Between Idealism and Realism
- Idealism and realism are both philosophies.
- They both have different views on the world.
- Idealism is more focused on the idea of an ideal society, while realism focuses on what is actually possible in reality.
- Idealism believes that people can change their surroundings to fit their needs, while realism believes that people must adapt to their surroundings.
- Idealists believe that people can change the world for the better, while realists believe that there is no point in making a difference because society will always be flawed.
- Realism is more pessimistic than idealism.
Idealism vs. Materialism
Difference Between Idealism and Materialism
What’s the difference between idealism and materialism
Idealism |
Materialism |
| Idealism is the belief in something better than what we have or are experiencing. | Materialism is the pursuit of material goods and wealth. |
| Idealists believe that a person’s character, not their possessions, determines who they are | In contrast, Materialists believe that money can buy happiness. |
| Idealism is the idea that people should be motivated by a concern for what is morally right and good in themselves and others. | Materialism believes that people’s actions are determined by their desires, needs, or goals to obtain material goods. |
| Idealism is the theory that abstract ideas, such as justice, are more real than material things.
|
Materialism is the idea that only physical matter and observable phenomena exist. |
| The main difference between these two concepts is their focus on what exists in reality. Idealists believe that ideas are real. | In contrast, materialists believe that only tangible objects exist.
|
Note:
The two concepts have been debated since Plato’s time when he wrote “The Republic”.
In this work, Plato argues against idealism with his theory of Forms as an explanation of reality. He also criticizes materialists who believe in the power of wealth and desire as motivating forces for human behavior.
Idealism vs. Materialism
Difference Between Idealism and Materialism
What’s the difference between idealism and materialism
- Idealism believes that all people are inherently good and can be persuaded to act morally. In contrast, Pragmatism believes that human nature is inherently flawed, so moral action should be taken only when it will have an effect.
- One definition of an idealist is a person who believes in the possibility of achieving goals that seem impossible to others. At the same time, a pragmatic individual may be more practical about what can be achieved.
- Idealism believes that the world can be changed for the better, and people should act to achieve this goal. It is a philosophy of life-based on satisfying one’s own needs without consideration for others. In contrast, Pragmatism is acting according to what is practical, sensible, or likely to work out well rather than by what might seem best at first glance, being concerned with facts and realities rather than ideas and theories.
- Idealism believes that an idea or theory is true without proof or evidence, whereas pragmatism is Practicality in carrying out tasks.
- Idealism is the belief that all people are inherently good and deserve equal treatment, while pragmatism is the belief that life is not always fair, but we should do what works best in any given situation.
- Idealists believe in change through education and nonviolent protest; pragmatists believe in change through compromise and negotiation.
- The difference between these two philosophies may seem subtle at first glance, but they lead to different conclusions about what steps need to be taken to improve society.