IDEALISM

Reporter: Mary Grace V. Gentugao

 The word Idea comes from the Greek language and used to mean, “A shape, form, or image.” Idea
has now developed to mean, “creative thought, or notion, and concept”.

 A philosophical theory that maintains that the real is of nature of thought or that the object of
external perceptions consists of ideas.

 A philosophical approach that has as its central tenet that ideas are the only true reality, the only
thing worth knowing. In a search for truth, beauty, and justice that is enduring and everlasting the
focus is on conscious reasoning in the mind.

 A philosophical position which adheres to the view that nothing exists except as it is an idea in the
mind of man, the mind of God, or in a super – or supra-natural realm.

Brief History of Idealism

The beginnings of the idealist philosophical position are generally attributed to Plato, but may be
traced back to the thought of his teacher, Socrates. Plato, Father of Idealism, espoused this view about 400
years BC, in his famous book, The Republic. Plato believed that there are two worlds. The first is the
spiritual or mental world (World of Ideas), which is eternal, permanent, orderly, regular, and universal.
There is also the world of appearance, the world experienced through sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound
that is changing imperfect, and disorderly. This division is often referred to as the duality of mind and
body.

Idealism is one of the oldest of the traditional philosophies. Plato had been a follower and student
of Socrates, but after the death of Socrates, Plato branched off with some of his own ideas. In 387 B.C.,
Plato started his own school, which was called a university for the first time. This school existed for almost
one thousand years. Plato's philosophic thought had a large impact on the rest of the world. Idealism has
influenced many key people and organizations including American public schools and the Christian church
throughout the Middle Ages.

Forms of Idealism
 Subjective idealism- is a theory which holds that the fundamental element of the world is not
matter but spirit or mind.
 Objective idealism- all objects are identical with some idea and the ideal knowledge is itself the
system of ideas.

The Nature of Truth and Knowledge

As to knowledge, idealism holds that knowledge is man thinking the thoughts and purposes of this
eternal and spiritual reality as they are embodied in our world of fact. The idealist attempts to find in the
universe general principles which can be given the status of universal truths. Idealists believe that all
knowledge is independent of sense experience. The act of knowing takes place within the mind. The mind
is active and contains innate capacities for organizing and synthesizing the data derived through sensations.

Man can also know truth through the acts of reason by which an individual examines the logical
consistency of his ideas. Some Idealists believe that all knowledge is a matter of recall. Plato was one who
held this notion. He based this conclusion upon the assumption that the spirit of man is eternal. Whatever
he knows is already contained within his spirit. Existence depends upon mind. Every stimulus received by
the mind is derived ultimately from God. God is the Infinite Spirit.
 The Nature of Values

Idealism holds that the goodness of man’s individual and social life is the conformity of the human
will with the moral administration of the universe. Idealists generally root all values either in a personal
God or in a personal spiritual force of nature. They all agree that values are eternal.

The Concept of Student

The Idealistic pupil is characterized by that admirable trait, the will to perfection. Whatever he does
as well as he can. He is ambitious to deserve honors in scholarship. He wants to grow in knowledge and
wisdom, to appreciate the aesthetic things in life to deserve approbation, and to be a worthy person…. He
strives for perfection because the ideal person is perfect.

The Concept of Teacher

Idealists have high expectations of the teacher. The teacher must be excellent, in order to serve as
an example for the student, both intellectually and morally. No other single element in the school system is
more important than the teacher. The teacher must excel in knowledge and in human insight into the needs
and capacities of the learners; and must demonstrate moral excellence in personal conduct and convictions.

The objectives of Education

 The purpose of education is to contribute to the development of the mind and self of
the learner.
 The aim of education is to brings the child as close to Absolute Truth as possible.
 The aim of education is to discover and develop each individual’s abilities and full
moral excellence in order to better serve society.
 Another aim of education is the maintenance and transmission of the established
values of the past.

Furthermore, education must emphasize the development of the following areas in

life:

 Intellectual activities
 Moral judgment
 Aesthetic appreciation
 Self-realization
 Individual freedom
 Individual responsibility
 Self-discipline and control