Idealism Theory

By: Jennifer M. May

Quote About Idealism

• “Idealism owes much to the suns of other philosophers but believes it has some ultimately fundamental light of its own.”

Defining Idealism

• “Idea” in Greek–Means:• That which is by nature clear and intelligible that

which has form.• Taken as a guide for action, an idea becomes an

ideal.

Defining Idealism Continued

• No single meaning of Idealism– A family of definitions

• Give priority to the mind.• Mind, Soul, Spirit and Life• Good, True, Beautiful

Definitions

• Idealism is a philosophical approach that has as its central point that ideas are the only true reality, the only thing worth knowing.

• The focus is on the conscious reasoning in the mind.

• It is the search for truth, beauty and justice.

Idealists Believe

• The human spirit is the most important element in life.

• The universe is essentially nonmaterial in its ultimate nature.

• Please note:– Idealism should not be confused with the idea of

high aspirations.

The beginning of Idealism

• The oldest system of philosophy known to man.

• Its origins go back to ancient India in the East.

• Its origins also go back to Plato in the West.• Plato is the father of Idealism– The Republic

Plato

• Believed that there are two worlds:– Spiritual World• Eternal, permanent, universal

–World of Appearance• Sight, touch, smell, taste and sound

– Combination of the body and mind

Idealism

• Idealists believe that all of reality is reducible to the spirit.

• Matter is not real.• Matter is a notion and an abstraction of the

mind.• Only the mind is real.• Purpose is to be an intelligent and

purposeful being.

Different Kinds of Idealism

• Some Idealists believe that all knowledge is recall.

• Objective Idealists• Plato believes that ideas are essences.• Subjective Idealists• George Berkeley believes that man is able to

reason without perceptions from the outside.• Existence depends on the mind alone.

Different Kinds of Idealism Continued

• Theistic Idealists • Believe that eternal values exist in God.• Pantheistic Idealists• Identify with God and Nature.• Rely on the order of nature for values.

Plato’s Take On Education

• Plato’s perfect society:• “Education to body and soul all the beauty and

perfection of which they are capable.”• To understand truth one MUST pursue

knowledge.• The soul is fully formed prior to birth and is

perfect.• Through birth the perfection is lost, and it is

dependant on education to make perfection again.

Plato’s Quotes

• “To see with the eyes of the mind.”• “To know through one’s power for reason.”• Plato felt that man can bring harmony and

proportion into his soul, making it musical and healthful, fit for this life and for immortally.

Idealism and Education• “It is easy to starve a mind by giving it too little to

work with or the wrong things.”• Literature and Art• No single method will work• Reality is made up of minds, spirits and their

products.• 3 beings:– Spiritual– Natural– Personal

Idealist’s Purpose of Education

• The purpose of education is to contribute to the development of the spiritual nature of man.

• The purpose of education is to help and better one’s family, community, state, earth, and universe.

Idealist Education

• The aim of education is to discover and develop each individual's abilities and full moral excellence in order to better serve society.

• The curriculum emphasis is in subject matters of the mind:– Literature– History– Philosophy– Religion– Art

The Teacher’s Role

• Idealists have high expectations for the teachers.

• Teacher is the most important element in the school.

• Intellectual and morally correct at all times• Personal conduct and actions• Provide opportunities for the students’ minds

to discover, analyze, unify, and synthesize

Methods of Teaching Idealism

• Provide the learners with opportunities to think.

• Apply criteria of moral evaluation in lessons.

• Encourage the acquisition of facts.

Idealist Teachers Should:

• Encourage the students to enlarge their horizons• Stimulate reflective thinking• Encourage personal moral choices• Provide skills in logical thinking• Provide opportunities to apply knowledge to

moral and social problems• Stimulate interest into subject• Encourage them to accept the values of human

civilization

Idealist Teaching Methods

• Teaching methods focus on handling ideas through lecture, discussion, and Socratic dialogue.

• A student’s character is developed through their heroes and examples.

Idealism in America• Has been represented in America by the following:

– Emerson– The Alcotts– Harris– Horne– Hocking– Demiashkevich– Thompson– Butler– Wegner– Ulich

Idealism Seen In Schools

• Little Red School House–Morals– Religion– Expectations for Teachers

• Today–Morals– Community– Expectations for Teachers

Content Standards

• Ohio Academic Content Standards• Grade 8• Reading Process: Concepts of Print,

Comprehension Strategies and Self-Monitoring Strategies

2. Answer literal, inferential, evaluative and synthesizing questions to demonstrate comprehension of grade-appropriate print texts and electronic and visual media.

Content Standards Continued

• Ohio Academic Content Standards• Grade 8• Writing Applications2. Write responses to literature that organize an

insightful interpretation around several clear ideas, premises or images and support judgments with specific references to the original text, to other texts, authors and to prior knowledge.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you seen Idealism used in schools today? If so, what school district?

2. Do you think that your views of teaching match the Idealism Theory?

References

Burns, H.W., & Brauner, C.J. (Ed.). (1962). Philosophy of Education. New York: The Ronald Press Company.

Cohen, L.M. (1999). Philosophical Perspectives in Education. Retrieved from http:/oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html

Idealism Theory. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.parvez-video.com/idealism_theory.asp