Existentialism in Modern Education

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that while only a small percentage of students study existentialist philosophy in a formal sense, all students can benefit from an educational environment that incorporates elements of its point of view. The paper explains the primary purpose of the modern educational system and how a more existential approach to education would encourage students to use their educational opportunities to identify their true talents and most genuine academic and life interests. The paper then focuses on the role of the existential educator.

Outline:
Existential Philosophy in Education
Existential Values and Benefits in Education
The Role of the Educator

From the Paper:

"Applying existentialism to modern education differs from many other types of suggestions for changes to educational philosophy in that it pertains almost exclusively to the motivational component rather than to any operational or mechanical aspect of teaching. Furthermore, because it relates exclusively to motivation for learning, the existential approach to education is equally applicable to virtually every subject and to all types of instructional methodologies."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Einstein, A. (1956) Out of My Later Years. Secaucus: Citadel
• Harvey, J.C., Katz, C. (1985) If I'm So Successful Why Do I Feel Like a Fake?: The Imposter Phenomenon. New York: St. Martin's
• Russell, B. (1992) The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell. London: Routledge

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