Perennialism on curriculum

Perennialism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of engaging

with enduring ideas and universal truths, which are believed to transcend time and
culture. This approach advocates for a curriculum focused on classical texts,
philosophical concepts, and critical thinking skills that are considered essential for a
rational and informed citizenry. Here's how perennialism shapes views on curriculum:

 Focus on Great Books: Perennialism centers the curriculum around the "Great
Books" of Western civilization. These include works by classical philosophers,
playwrights, poets, and historians like Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, and Newton.
The idea is that these texts hold timeless truths and provide profound insights
into human nature and society.
 Intellectual and Moral Development: The curriculum aims to develop intellectual
abilities and moral character. Perennialists argue that engaging with challenging
texts and ideas not only sharpens the mind but also cultivates virtues such as
wisdom, courage, and justice.
 Teacher as Guide: Unlike essentialism, where the teacher is the central authority
delivering knowledge, in perennialism, the teacher acts more as a guide. They
facilitate discussions and critical analysis, helping students to interpret and reflect
on the content of the Great Books and the philosophical questions they raise.
 Socratic Method: The teaching style often employed in perennialist classrooms is
the Socratic method, which involves teaching by asking questions. This method
encourages students to think deeply and to articulate their thoughts and
arguments clearly and logically.
 Cultural Literacy and Unity: Perennialism promotes cultural literacy by focusing
on works and ideas that are considered foundational to Western culture. It seeks
to provide students with a shared body of knowledge that can foster social
cohesion and a sense of communal identity.
 Emphasis on Philosophical and Ethical Inquiry: The curriculum includes a strong
emphasis on philosophy and ethics, encouraging students to engage with
fundamental questions about life, meaning, and morality. This is seen as
essential for the development of thoughtful, informed individuals.
 Rigorous and Structured Learning: Perennialism advocates a structured,
academically rigorous approach to education, where students are expected to
meet high intellectual standards. The curriculum is not designed to cater to
current trends or job market demands but to provide a broad and deep education
that will be of lifelong value.
o Example: A perennialist curriculum might include reading and discussing
Plato's "Republic" to explore justice, Aristotle's "Ethics" to discuss moral
 philosophy, Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" for insights into human emotion and
conflict, and Newton’s "Principia" to understand natural laws.

Perennialism's curriculum is distinguished by its commitment to intellectual traditions

that are deemed perennially relevant. It aims to cultivate not just vocational skills or
immediate job prospects but a lifelong love of learning and a profound understanding of
the ideas that have shaped civilization.