IDEALISM AND ITS IMPLICATION TO EDUCATION

Angelie Aliman, LPT

angelie.aliman@g.msuiit.du.ph
Edna B. Nabua
edna.nabua@g.msuiit.edu.ph

Idealism is the oldest system of philosophy known to man. Its origins go back to
ancient India in the East, and to Plato in the West. Its basic viewpoint stresses the human
spirit as the most important element in life. The universe is viewed as essentially nonmaterial
in its ultimate nature. Although Idealist philosophers vary enormously on many specifics,
they agree on the following two points; the human spirit is the most important element in life;
and secondly the universe is essentially nonmaterial in its ultimate nature.  Idealism should
not be confused with the notion of high aspirations because that is not what philosophers
mean when they speak of Idealism. In the philosophic sense, Idealism is a system that
emphasizes the pre-eminent importance of mind, soul, or spirit.
The word idealism is derived from two distinct sources-the idea and the ideal. Idea
means true and testified knowledge. The word ideal stands for the perfected form of an idea
or ideas. If we study the basic principles, Idealism puts forth the argument that reality, as we
perceive it, is a mental construct. It means that experiences are the result of sensory abilities
of the human mind and not because reality exists in itself as an independent entity. In the
philosophical term, this means that one cannot perceive the existence of things beyond the
realm of the intellect.
Plato describes “reality” in his Theory of Forms. For him the “Form” is actual
substance of 'Things' which 'Formed' matter and perceptible reality. Plato wants to convey the
message that matter is real and can be experienced as a rational living entity; it is not a mere
projection of consciousness.
According to Knight (1998), Rene Descartes (1596-1650), George Berkeley and the
German philosopher Immanuel Kant and George William Hegel are the prominent names
who represent idealism. Berkeley and Kant have interpreted idealism in very different ways.
Kant described idealism as transcendent, whereas Berkeley called it 'immaterialism' which is
commonly termed as subjective materialism. George Berkeley says that the material world
exists because there is a mind to perceive it and that things which are not within the
conceptual framework of the human mind cannot be deemed real.
Berkeley admits that objects exist, but their presence in the physical realm is as long
as there is a mind to perceive them. For this Berkeley has used a Latin phrase 'Esse est
percipi' (to be perceived). On the other hand, Kant is of the opinion that reality exists
independently of human minds but its knowledge is inherently unknowable to man because
of sensory filters in our consciousness. These filters slow down our ability to see the 'thing in
itself'. Thus our ultimate perception of things is always through the mind's fixed frame of
reference (Shahid, 2008).
Implications of Idealism to Education
 Idealistic education aim is the preservation; enrichment and transmission of culture.
 Education must contribute to the development of overall culture.
 Helps a person to become much more rational.
 Idealism in education means to develop a good relation between student and a
teacher.
Educational Aim
• Develop and apply practical knowledge and skills for life in a progressive democratic
society.
• Individual growth through processes, experience and problem solving.
Roles of a Teacher
• Accept the ideas of the student.
• Facilitate thinking through generation of ideas.
• Encourages the students to share their own ideas.
Goal of an Idealist Classroom
1. Sharing of ideas.
2. It is not right for the students to think that the teacher’s words or what is in the book
are the only things that are important.
3. Student’s ideas are also equally important.
4. Teachers must refine the student’s ideas.
5. Involve students through their own ideas
Its educational goal is transformation thru ideas that change lives because through ideas
that was being perceived it was translated into language and then it was being put into action.
So the idea was not forever be an idea but instead it will be put into action so that it can
useful to the community. For instance, the cell phone, computer and other things that we had
right now is the product of the ideas.
Methods of Instruction
• Lecture method is considered the most important one in which a delivers lecture and
students listen to the teacher (teacher-centered approach).
• the Socratic Method in which the teacher involves the students in learning activities
(student-centered approach)
Role of the School
• A miniature society
• Gives the child balance and genuine experience in preparation for life democratic
living.
• Place where ideas are tested, implemented and restructured.
Reference list
Ozmon, H.A (2012). Philosophical Foundations of Education (9th ed). New jersey, Upper Saddle River: Pearson
education, Inc.
Singh, Y.K. (2007). Philosophical foundations of education. New Delhi: APH Publishing      Corporation.
Shahid, S.M. (2008). Foundations of education. Lahore: Majeed.
Willace, O.P. & William, A. (1977). The elements of philosoph; Compadium for        Philosophers and
Theologians. New York: Alba House.