Saracen Philosophy

&
Contemporary
Philosophies
(Perennialism)
BY HANNAH SOPHIA G. JIMENEZ
BSE-ENGLISH I-2
Table of Contents
I. Lesson No. and Title
II. Lesson Objectives/ Outcomes
III. Lesson Proper
A. Saracen Philosophy
B. Contemporary Philosophies
a. Perennialism
IV. Discussion Points
V. Processing Questions/ Activities
VI. Answer Key
VII. Lesson Summary
VIII. References
Unit 3: Philosophical Foundations of Education
Lesson No. 2: Saracen Philosophy and Contemporary
Philosophies (Perennialism)

Lesson Objectives:
After the discussion, the students should be able to:
 Describe Saracens and identify their contributions in the field of
education;
 Explain contemporary philosophies and give a short background in the
educational philosophies that were being used today; and
 Understand Perennialism and its’ influence in education.
 Eastern Philosophy:

Saracen Philosophy
SARACENS

There had been references to Saracens earlier in

the Roman world by late classical authors in the first
three centuries AD. They believe that Saracens
originally refers to the Arab tribe living in the Sinai
Peninsula.
 Saracenic Approach to
Education
• The education of Saracen began with religious
education (Islam) and Quran was taught in all levels.

“In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious”

• Saracenic education aimed to search for knowledge
and an application of scientific facts.

• Liberal education in its truest sense.

Curriculum and Method of Education
 The curriculum of the Muslim school was the most
complete and most carefully organized in the
elementary, secondary and the higher levels.

The teaching methods were scientific method, use

repetition and drill, catechetical method,
memorization, and lecture.
 Contemporary
Philosophies
These educational philosophical approaches are currently used in
classrooms all over the world and can be broken down into three
main types:

Teacher-centered Society-centered
Philosophies: Student-centered Philosophies:
Philosophies:
 Perennialism • Social
• Progressivism
 Essentialism Reconstructionism
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY:

Perennialism
What is Perennialism?
 Just as the term perennial, which means lasting forever, Perennialism emphasizes education that is
enduring and lasting.

 It is a theory of education derives from Realism, philosophies of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas.

 The two biggest proponents of perennialism within education was Robert Hutchins and Mortimer
Adler, both work with organizing the Great Books of the Western World.
Aims and Curriculum of Perennialist Education
“The function of man as man is the same in every society, since it results from
his nature as a man.” -Robert Hutchins

 The goal of a perennialist education is to teach students the importance of

mastery of the content and develop minds that can think critically and
rationally.

 Perennialists believe that the focus of education should be the ideas that
have lasted over centuries and the universal truth. They recommend that
students learn from reading and analyzing the works by history's finest
thinkers and writers or often referred to as Great Books.
‘destruction wrought
when ambition goes
unchecked by moral
constraints’
Classroom and Teacher

 Perennialist classrooms are centered on teachers to accomplish the

goals using appropriate pedagogical methods.

 Students engaged in Socratic dialogues, or mutual inquiry sessions

to develop an understanding of history's most timeless concepts.
Discussion Points
o The education of Saracen began with religious education. Quran was taught in all-levels. Saracenic
education aimed to search for knowledge and application of scientific facts. Liberal education in its
truest sense.

o Contemporary philosophies are currently used in classrooms all over the world and has three main types:
teacher-centered philosophies, student-centered philosophies, and society-centered philosophies.

o Perennialism emphasizes education that is enduring and lasting. The goal of Perennialist education is to
develop minds that can think critically and rationally. They recommend that students learn from reading
and analyzing the Great Books.
Summary
• Saracens refers to the Arab tribe living in the Sinai Peninsula. The education of
Saracen began with religious education (Islam). Quran was taught in all-levels.
• Saracenic education aimed to search for knowledge, application of scientific
facts and to develop the individual’s initiative and social welfare – liberal
education in its truest sense. The Muslim school was the most complete and most
carefully organized in all levels.
Summary
• Contemporary philosophies can be broken down into three main types: teacher-centered
philosophies, student-centered philosophies, and society-centered philosophies.
• Perennialism emphasizes education that is enduring and lasting.
• The goal of Perennialist education is to develop minds that can think critically and
rationally. Perennialists also believe that the focus of education should be the ideas that
have lasted over centuries. They recommend that students learn from reading and analyzing
the Great Books.
References
Abulencia, A. S. (n.d.). Let-historical foundation7.ppt - historical foundation of education let review 2011. LET-Historical
Foundation7.ppt - Historical Foundation of Education LET Review 2011 Prof Arthur S Abulencia Lecturer Beginnings of
Education \u2022 | Course Hero. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.coursehero.com/file/42572358/LET
Historical-Foundation7ppt/.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2008, September 17). Saracen. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 10, 2021
from https://www. britannica.com/topic/Saracen
Erickson. (2013, January 8). The Saracenic Approach to education. prezi.com. Retrieved October 16, 2021, from
https://prezi.com/2wfxr7_0qcnd/the-saracenic-approach-to-education/.
Gudka, D. H. (n.d.). Perennialism- PowerPoint Presentation. Biola University. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from
https://canvas.biola.edu/courses/20749/files/1321030.
Hora, A. (n.d.). Saracen. Academia.edu. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from
https://www.academia.edu/37139452/Saracen_docx.
Lynch, M. (2017, May 1). 5 things that educators should know about the philosophy of Education. The Edvocate. Retrieved
October 12, 2021, from https://www.theedadvocate.org/5-things-that-educators-should-know-about-the-philosophy-of
education/.