An Analysis of the Educational Philosophies of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle in the 21 st

Century Classroom

Nowadays, the importance of ancient systems of education is attracting more attention. It is

especially true in relation to the Greek’s teaching experience, including the one of the Sophists,
Stoics, and students of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lykeion. This interest is arousing from
professional philosophers. This is also interesting for teachers as the teacher nowadays are
getting inspiration from the philosophers in their teaching strategies.
Teachers nowadays find the importance of the Aristotelian approach to teaching is becoming
not only interesting but also quite useful. The problems of modern education are largely related
to the new conditions in which a person of the information society finds himself. For his
philosophy, Aristotle focused on the individual leaner. As a teacher of today’s young people, the
researcher thinks that theory in education is useful because this means that the more learner-
centered the educational system is, the better the graduates become. Point to be given is the
conduct of the online classes. Students are independently given a chance to discover the details
of a certain lesson. They are given an opportunity to be independent learners as well as being
observant because of the online course they are taking. Also, the students are given the
responsibility to hand in their learning outputs at a given time. This is not to pressure the learner
but giving freedom as well as providing a discipline to the learner.

PLATO’S CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT

One of the astounding facts in the history of culture is that the first coherent treatise on
government and education which we possess in Western civilization, Plato's Republic, is the
most profound. Plato's penetrating mind revealed the problems with which mankind has
struggled, consciously or unconsciously, ever since it has had an organized society and
education. Plato treats the subject of education in The Republic as an integral and vital part of a
wider subject of the well-being of human society. The ultimate aim of education is to help people
know the Idea of the Good, which is to be virtuous.
As of the modern times, this theory from Plato paved way to allow learners to see that education
is important and is vital in the formation of a person’s well-being. This means that Plato has
made people realize that for the people to become the “learned” ones, they must be virtuous.
This theory paved the way for values formation in education. As a modern day teacher, the
researcher thinks that this is the basis for the Social Sciences subjects in school. The Platonic
way of learning is not only centered with how to gain knowledge but also to place a great
importance in learning with a heart. Values education is important to students so that they will
grow to be responsible citizens of the country.

For the Platonic philosophy, Plato has put it “individual justice can be obtained when each
individual develops his or her ability to the fullest.” This means that justice is excellence. One
has no excuse in learning because he/ she will not give justice to his/ her existence but
acknowledging the he/ she will continue to be a “nobody” if this person does not study.
As a modern day teacher, the researcher finds this relatable as of this time being. Due to
COVID restrictions, some students will find an excuse not to go to school, and that is not justice
for their existence. The researcher would like to express that if students find education as
essential as breathing in air into their bodies and being alive, then, the country will have good
citizens.

SOCRATES’S CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT

Socrates has long been considered the father of modern education. He believed that as self-
learners we must first admit to our ignorance and realise that there is a world of knowledge
ready to be accessed, but only once we can accept that we don’t already know everything. We
must also accept that what we do ‘know’ might not be as correct as we think. The Socratic
Method encourages students to ask questions, think critically and come to their own
conclusions.

I believe that modern educational frameworks such as those offered by the DepEd today (online
classes) have been inspired, knowingly or unknowingly, by the Socratic approach. The
educator’s role is to inspire and give students opportunities for the exploration of their skills and
knowledge, rather than to lecture. Learning should be led by the learner and students should be
able to express what they have learned as an individual and in their own unique way.
Conclusion
For generations, educators have realised the value that Socrates, Plato and Aristotle have
offered through their words, actions and well-developed theories. However, most teachers and
administrators have found that blending the their respective approach with different teaching
strategies provides students with a well-rounded experience. This means that no matter what
era teachers are teaching in, they can still find it useful to reflect on the theories of these
educational philosophers and relate their new experiences with how these theorists have
formed the educational system.

For example, Socrates would never have dreamed of giving his students a worksheet to
complete at the end of a unit to determine if a student had met the goals established by the
chosen curriculum. However, in the dynamic classrooms of the 21 st century, teachers and
administrators work to blend other teaching methods with the approach that Socrates used.
Another is when the teachers are giving independence to the students in how to acquire
knowledge applying the Platonic theory of education, the teacher provides an opportunity to the
learners to discover his/ her own potential and improve his/ her capacities.

By providing students with resources, such as books, videos or learning apps, teachers give
them the tools that they need to study in a way that feels comfortable to them. Worksheets and
other assignments allow students to become aware of their learning experience and determine
whether or not they fully understand the topic at hand. All of these additional learning materials
have value and are utilised in classrooms to provide students with a balanced learning
experience. By blending the Socratic Method, Platonic Method and the Aristotolic Method in with
other teaching methods, teachers are more likely to reach all students and provide them with
every opportunity to be successful.