Idealism

Paper Summary:

This paper explores and briefly analyzes the philosophical stance of idealism. The paper then goes on to deal with the reaction and response to this stance from the point of view of the relevance of idealism in education and the effect that it can have in terms of personal experience and the social milieu.

From the Paper:

"As is evident for the above discussion, the philosophy of idealism has many important implications for the modern word and in particular for education and teaching. In the first instance idealism offers a view of reality that goes beyond or transcends the mundane and everyday reality. In Platonic terms, idealism suggests that there are ideal forms or models of reality to which we aspire and these ideals act as objectives that direct our actions and thoughts in everyday life. In education there are ideals that have often been noted as being desirable. For example, the ideal of excellence in education refers to the intention of excelling or attaining the best or optimum educational standards and achievements. To attain excellence there must be higher and ideal standards. Another idealistic notion that is common in modern education is the ideal of "educating the whole child". This refers to the view that the student should receive an overall education that includes and integrates the various facets of his or her personality and potential. The central idea is that the child should be educated in terms of all the different aspects of mind and body. This view is described as, "...mutually reinforcing qualities of a fully functioning mind and body." (Dustin, Hibbler, Mckenney & Blitzer, 2004) These ideal are positive aspects that may or may not be practical in every sense but are goals or ideals that are important for the development and advancement of education. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dustin, D., Hibbler, D., Mckenney, A., & Blitzer, L. (2004). Thinking outside the Box: Placing Park and Recreation Professionals in K-12 Schools. JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 75(1), 51+. Retrieved October 2, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002578145
• Fulton, K. P. (2003). Redesigning Schools to Meet 21st Century Learning Needs. T H E Journal (Technological Horizons In Education), 30(9), 30+. Retrieved October 14, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001964038
• Idealism. Retrieved October 14, 2006, from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07634a.htm
• Idealism.Wikipedia. Retrieved October 11, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idealism
• Idealism, Idealist Philosophy, Idealists. Retrieved October 4, 2006, from http://atheism.about.com/od/philosophyschoolssystems/p/idealism.htm

More papers on Idealism:

• Essay # 2815 : "Idealism and Pragmatism"
• Comparison Essay # 91009 : "Transcendental Idealism"
• Analytical Essay # 49282 : "Realism and Idealism in "Editha"
• Essay # 60656 : "The Conflict Between Idealism and Materialism"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: