In The Republic, Plato discusses education as an essential aspect of a more extensive discussion of a society’s well-being. Plato establishes what education is worth for both the individual and the state in The Republic, emphasizing the crucial function of those who select the materials to educate the state’s future guardians (Jowett, 2012). Plato considered men and women as equals in their humanity. He was among the first to advocate for equal education for men and women based on their capacity to study rather than their gender. One of the educational theories Plato used was question and answer methods, which allow students to employ critical thinking. Additionally, he notes in the Allegory of the Cave how necessary experimentation is for people to see the “truth” (Plato, 2010). Aspects of his philosophy in education have contributed to an organized education system to establish citizenship and leadership qualities.
Plato’s philosophy on education has influenced learning standards for structured lessons without considering one’s age. According to Plato, the quality of a society depends on the kind of education people receive (Jowett, 2012). Therefore, he places importance on the need for education. He acknowledges that children can innately capture knowledge (Tate, 2016). Modern education begins in childhood when a child’s character is formed via emotions. They can begin to grasp logical reasoning, science, and philosophy by adolescence. Younger individuals can begin to comprehend more complicated physical and mental versions of reality. Moreover, education is not limited to any age group. Alluding to the “truth” from The Allegory of the Cave, Plato notes that people who seek experiments gain knowledge. Schools understand the importance of experimenting with practical courses in schools to ensure correct learning. Plato’s philosophy on education accommodates all ages, requires experimentation, and creates a standard of learning for creating a just society.
References
Tate. (2016). The case against the arts from Plato to Tolstoy and its implications for why and how the arts should be taught in schools. Educational Review (Birmingham), 68(1), 24–39. Web.
Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.” (2010). In Milestone documents in world history: Exploring the primary sources that shaped the world, 1, 153–165.
Jowett. (2012). The Republic by Plato. (2nd ed.). Andrews UK Ltd. Web.