IDEALISM
Idealism is said to be the oldest and the father of all philosophies whose origin goes back to ancient India in the east and to Plato in the west. So Plato is regarded as the father of Idealism.Idealism emphasizes the mind, spirit, and higher values over material existence. This philosophy has deeply influenced education systems across the world, particularly in shaping educational goals, curriculum, and teaching methods.
What is Idealism ?
- The term Idealism originates from the Greek word ‘Idealismos’, which means thought. It is derived from two words: Idea means thought and -ism is a school of philosophy.
- Idealism places greater importance on mind over body, and asserts that truth resides in ideas rather than in the physical world.
- Idealism gives more importance to mind than to the body and considers truth
embodied in the ideas only. - Idealism gives more important to spiritual aspect and it values wisdom, imagination, and logical thinking.
- Idealism gives the permanent place to mind and considers the matter is
secondary.
Philosophers of Idealism
Some of the greatest thinkers who followed the ideals of Idealism are:
Plato – The founder of Idealism
Socrates – Emphasized ethics and dialectic reasoning
Immanuel Kant – Developed transcendental idealism
Sri Aurobindo – Indian spiritual reformer
Swami Vivekananda – Advocated spiritual and moral education
Mahatma Gandhi – Focused on truth, non-violence, and simplicity
Major Characteristics of Idealism
- The mind is central & mind comes first to understanding reality.
- Mind has an independent, eternal existence, It is not lifeless.
- The physical world is secondary, a reflection of deeper mental/spiritual truths.
Spiritual development is the true aim of life.
- Faith in truth (Satyam), goodness (Shivam), and beauty (Sundaram).
The world and human beings were created with a purpose
Basic Principles of Idealism
The fundamental principles of idealism are:
Spirit and mind constitute reality, not body and matter, and they regulate the matter.
Man is the supreme creation of God and he must strive for self-realisation.
God is the source of all knowledge and a symbol of peace and bliss, love and light.
Values are absolute and unchanging, and are so called spiritual values: truth, goodness and beauty.
What is ultimately real is not the object itself but the idea behind it.
Man is not the architect of values and it regards him as a spiritual being.
Freedom of mind is the highest virtue it is a necessity of realising spiritual reality.
Spirit or ideal constitutes the pillar of this philosophy.
Human mind is a part of universal mind.
Idealism in Education
It can be conceived and perceived that education helps a man to realise his spiritual realm because man is born with a spiritual-self or realm. Thus, education is a spiritual necessity. Further, education is also a social necessity. The purpose of education is the development of mind and self of the child. It is unfolding of what is already enfolded.
Aims of Education According to Idealism
- Extraction and development of individual personality.
- Self realisation or attainment of Mokshya.
- Development of inventive or creative power.
Enrichment of cultural and moral heritage.
Encouragement of rational thinking.
- Leading the student toward a holy and purposeful life.
- Development of complete man.
- Simple Living and high thinking.
Idealism and Curriculum
Plato, a major idealist philosopher, proposed that curriculum should revolve around three core values:
Satyam (Truth), Shivam (Goodness), and Sundaram (Beauty)
The curriculum is typically divided into:
Intellectual Subjects: Language, History, Geography, Mathematics, Science
Aesthetic Subjects: Art, Poetry, Music
Moral Subjects: Religion, Ethics, Metaphysics
Other features of the idealist curriculum include:
High importance to school and teachers
Teachers are respected like Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh)
Strict discipline is enforced to build character and focus
Idealism and Teaching Methods
Method is the weakest point in the idealistic philosophy of education. It does not advocate any special method, but covers a host of methods to fulfil the aims. Some notable methods include:
| Philosopher | Method |
|---|---|
| Socrates | Question–Answer method (Socratic Method) |
| Plato | Conversation method |
| Aristotle | Inductive–Deductive method |
| Hegel | Logical development |
| Descartes | From simple to complex |
| Herbert | Instructional steps |
| Pestalozzi | Sensory training |
| Froebel | Play-way method |
Contribution of Idealism towards Education
The profound influence of idealism upon the field of education can be judged by the yardstick of the following:
The aim of education according to idealistic philosophy is exaltation of personality which is the result of self-realisation achieved by spiritual knowledge. Spiritual development is, thus, the ultimate aim of life. This spiritual orientation has touched the present day curriculum and methods of teaching in a lucid manner. Self-realisation is the chief aim of education now.
Like naturalists, it gives prime importance to the development of human personality in all its facets in its aims of education which are recognised in the present day educational system all over the world. All educational activities are geared to achieve all-round development of personality.
Idealism gives heavy weightage to ideals of life or spiritual values of life, without which the present world can not survive. So, idealism influences the global system of education by reorientating its curriculum and the entire gamut of education.
Another chief contribution of idealism is its emphasis on universal education which is essential for progress of modern nation. It is inevitable from the fact that it recognises the identity of each individual in realising the supreme cardinal values in life.
The most important element in social culture is moral character. The task of education is to develop character of the students by stressing on religion, and spiritual and ethical education. Development of moral character is highly stressed in the idealistic education.
Another contribution to the field of education is discipline and freedom which is the need of the hour. Regulated freedom and self-discipline can be helpful for the students for achieving knowledge, i.e. spiritual perfection or consciousness – the eternal truth.
The place of teacher can not be overlooked. Modern day teachers need to be followed the prescription prescribed by idealists. It is rightly said that teacher’s personality can bring about a desirable change in the behaviour of pupils.
Idealism requires that the past culture must be given its due place, and accordingly, education aims at providing the means for acquainting the pupils with the great feats in literature, art, science, humanities etc.
Stress on value education emanates from the creed of idealism. Children are taught to realise spiritual values and tradition. Now, thrust is laid upon fostering and nurturing moral and spiritual values in children.
Test Yourself : MCQs for OES Preparation
1. Who is regarded as the founder of Idealism?
A. Socrates
B. Plato
C. Aristotle
D. Kant
➡️ Answer: B. Plato
2. Idealism gives more importance to:
A. Body
B. Senses
C. Mind
D. Experience
➡️ Answer: C. Mind
3. The term ‘Idealism’ is derived from which language?
A. Latin
B. French
C. Sanskrit
D. Greek
➡️ Answer: D. Greek
4. According to Idealists, what is the ultimate aim of life?
A. Material success
B. Social service
C. Realization of truth and self
D. Scientific invention
➡️ Answer: C. Realization of truth and self
5. Which of the following is not a characteristic of Idealism?
A. Mind has independent existence
B. Emphasis on spiritual values
C. World created without purpose
D. Truth lies in ideas
➡️ Answer: C. World created without purpose
6. Which Indian philosopher is associated with Idealism?
A. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B. Swami Vivekananda
C. Chanakya
D. Dr. Radhakrishnan
➡️ Answer: B. Swami Vivekananda
7. Idealism emphasizes which values the most?
A. Economic and political values
B. Spiritual values – Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram
C. Scientific and empirical values
D. Physical strength and endurance
➡️ Answer: B. Spiritual values – Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram
8. In Idealism, the teacher is considered as:
A. A friend and guide
B. A facilitator
C. Tri-Dev or supreme guide
D. A democratic leader
➡️ Answer: C. Tri-Dev or supreme guide
9. According to Idealism, the aim of education is:
A. Vocational training
B. Cultural and spiritual development
C. Earning livelihood
D. Industrial growth
➡️ Answer: B. Cultural and spiritual development
10. What type of discipline does Idealism support in schools?
A. Free discipline
B. Democratic discipline
C. Strict discipline
D. No discipline
➡️ Answer: C. Strict discipline
11. According to Plato, curriculum should focus on:
A. Political science
B. Engineering and technology
C. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram
D. Skill development
➡️ Answer: C. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram
12. Which teaching method is associated with Socrates in Idealism?
A. Play way method
B. Question–Answer method
C. Group discussion
D. Field trips
➡️ Answer: B. Question–Answer method
13. Idealism believes that reality is:
A. Created by physical matter
B. Constructed through experiments
C. Spiritual and mental in nature
D. Based on survival of the fittest
➡️ Answer: C. Spiritual and mental in nature
14. Which one is not an Idealist thinker?
A. Hegel
B. Kant
C. John Dewey
D. Aurobindo
➡️ Answer: C. John Dewey
15. Which method of teaching is used by Descartes according to Idealism?
A. From simple to complex
B. From whole to part
C. From concrete to abstract
D. Experimental
➡️ Answer: A. From simple to complex
