The Medieval Times Philosophy of Education

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By Sarah O. Cruz (January 7, 2012)

Introduction
The medieval concept of education is centered on spiritual, intellectual, political, and economic

development.
The Medieval period of philosophy represents a renewed flowering of Western philosophical
thought after the intellectual drought of the Dark Ages.

It includes the following major philosophers:

Avicenna (Ibn Sina) (980 - 1037) Persian
Anselm, St. (1033 - 1109) Italian
Abelard, Peter (1079 - 1142) French
Averroes (Ibn Rushd) (1126 - 1198) Spanish-Arabic
Maimonides (1135 - 1204) Spanish-Jewish
Albertus Magnus (c. 1206 - 1280) German
Bacon, Roger (c. 1214 - 1294) English
Aquinas, St. Thomas (1225 - 1274) Italian
Scotus, John Duns (c. 1266 - 1308) Scottish
Ockham (Occam), William of (c. 1285 - 1348)
English

Much of the period is marked by the influence of Christianity and many of the philosophers of the
period were greatly concerned with proving the existence of God and reconciling Christianity with
classical philosophy

The Philosophies of Education

In this period of Feudal system, Black Death, and a hundred years war, four educational systems
emerged namely: monasticism, scholasticism, chivalry, and the guild

I. Monasticism
Monasteries became most influential in 1066-1300. On more than 300 monasteries, the monks
educated the children, helped the poor and cared for the sick, By 1500 some were closed down by Henry

VII and sold them. Monasteries became most influential in 1066-1300. On more than 300 monasteries, the
monks educated the children, helped the poor and cared for the sick, By 1500 some were closed down by
Henry VII and sold them
A. Founded by St Patrick and St Anthony

B. It is a special form of religious community where followers practically separate themselves

from ordinary ways of living, abiding by their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience
C. The term is also referred to as monarchism which literally means dwelling alone
D. Aims of Monastic Education: spiritual, moral, spiritual knowledge, virtue
E. Agencies of Education: monasteries and monastic schools
F. Types of Education: Moral and religious training, literary education, and manual training.

G. Aspects of social organization: domestic, economic, and political

H. Methods of Instruction: catechetical, dictation, memorization, language, Discipline, and
meditation and contemplation

J. Contributions to Education; preserving culture of Christians Monasteries, opposing vices and

corruption, taming warlike spirits, giving dignity on labor
II. Scholasticism
A. Fathered by Archbishop Anselm and supported by St. Albertus, St. Thomas Aquinas, Roger
Bacon, John Dunn etc

B. It is the reconciliation of the Ancient classical philosophies and Christian theology

C. It claimed that leading through reason alone leads to basic truths about God.
D. It has two camps: Realists, and conceptualists
E. Aims of Education: Intellectual discipline, and faith by reason

F. Agencies of Education: Parish schools, monastic and cathedral schools, palace schools, and

Universities
G. Methods of Instruction: argumentative, lecture, repetition, disputation, examination, and
problem based.

H. Contribution to Education: organization of university, and emphasis on intellectual learning

III. Chivalry Education

A. The word chivalry comes from the old French word “chevalerie”, meaning horse soldiery. But
the term came to mean the code of behavior and ethics the knights were expected to follow.
B. Aims of chivalric education: morality, responsibility, horsemanship, gallantry, religiosity, and
social graces
C. Agencies of Education: home, court, castle, tournament fields, battlefield, troubadours,

minnesingers, and minstrel

D. Methods of Instruction: observation, imitation, practice, apprenticeship, and motivation
E. Contribution to Education: use of vernacular, and learning social graces, and etiquette

IV. Guild Education

A. An association of people who had common interests, or who are engaged in the same work
where members pay money into the common fund to be used in alms for members who are

sick and old.

B. These guilds are merchant, and craft
C. They made rules to govern the duties and rights of apprentices to masters
D. Aims Of Education: business interest, preparation for commercial and industrial life, and

vocational preparation
E. Agencies of Education: burgher school, chantry school, and guild school
F. Methods of Instruction: Observation, imitation, practice, dictation, memorization, catechetical,
discipline
G. Contribution to Education: Vocational Training and Apprenticeship