Plato’s Theory of Education:
Plato’s theory of education is one of the most important topics in his “The Republic Book”. Plato emphasized the importance of education and communism in his fictitious ideal state program. By observing the wide range of education in the Republic, many would like to see the “Republic” as a book of educational discourse. According to the French philosopher Rousseau, “Plato’s Republic is not a political book, rather it is the best book ever written in education”. Plato emphasized this importance of education for very consistent reasons.
Plato considered education not only as a means of personal excellence, but also as an appropriate means of social and state welfare. He believed that education promotes the full development of humanity, that through education one chooses the truth and adapts himself to the social process. He also felt that the state was mainly an educational organization. It is through education that the character and nature of the people can be formed. It is not possible to create a coherent state without education. Plato was probably at the root of this belief: that immortal word of Socrates, “virtue is wisdom”. Plato believed that virtue could be achieved through education. In view of this, Barker remarked, “An attempt to cure mental illness by providing psychiatric education to Plato is special”.
Accordingly, the education system was needed for the class selection process in his ideal state.
In considering the above, Plato firstly speaks of universal and compulsory education, and secondly, of the state-controlled education system. In this case, he has shied away from the traditional education system of Athens. At that time there was neither universal education nor a state-controlled education system.
Plato thought that the main purpose of education was disrupted if the state was not controlled. In this case, perhaps: He was influenced by the Sparta state-controlled education system. Plato was the first to say that there is no difference between men and women in education. According to him, there is no difference between women and men in terms of role in the state. So education will be open and common to both. In fact, Plato’s statement was fancy and revolutionary for the then society.
Plato’s Education Plan: Plato’s division of the level education system has divided into two main categories, namely:
(A) primary education and
(b) higher education
The level of education is also different at this level of age.
Primary education: Primary education will be limited to 20 years of age. This level will be compulsory. This educational program will start from childhood and no critical knowledge will be given to the students till the age of 18, only to be provided with aids for their mental development. Literature, music and simple mathematics will be taught along with morality, good manners, etc. He considered music to be very effective in building a strong mindset. The term music was never used in the conventional sense. Everything was included in poetry, literature, music, music, dance. However, Plato was opposed to free music education. That is, he speaks of a kind of “censorship”. The poems in which the gods are despised should be excluded from the poetic curriculum. Besides, Plato insists that the exclusion of literature, music, and emotions of a high degree of emotion, euphoria, and uncontrollable magnitude can corrupt the mind of education. Students will be reserved for 18 years to 20 years – that is, two years for exercise and military strategy education. Its purpose is to build the body healthy and strong. Plato was convinced that music and physical education were indispensable for the full development of the individual. An examination will be held on the completion of primary education. Achievements will be deemed fit for higher education, and those who fail will be considered productive. So higher education in Plato’s education system is not open to everyone but controlled.
Higher education: Higher education is again divided into three levels. Namely:
(1) From the age of 25 to the age of 30 years.
(2) From 30 years of age to the age of 35 years.
(3) From the age of 35 years to the age of 50 years.
In the first phase of higher education, the subjects of higher education will be higher mathematics, geometry, astrology, and music. At this level, the subjects will be practiced as best they can. Higher education will be the main subject of the second level of higher education. At this stage, through philosophy education, students will have the opportunity to learn about the good and to understand the interconnection between different knowledge. In the final or third phase of higher education, knowledge will be connected to the real situation. In that sense, the formalities of education will be almost finished in the second phase.
Those who will be excluded from the selection process at this stage will be given a relatively low level of office. Those who are successful will continue their education up to the age of five. At this time they will have the opportunity to gain real knowledge. They will be regarded as the best survivors till the last stage and they will be assumed to have acquired good knowledge. And that good knowledge is the ultimate and only able to be a ruler, a “philosophical king”. They will be handed over to the state.
Criticism of Plato’s education system:
Plato’s education system has been criticized in several ways: –
Writers such as Sabine, Weeper think Plato has shown a kind of class bias in his education system. The main aim of his education system was to create a philosopher. If he had a plan to create skilled manpower for the state, the subject matter would be fixed for the productive classes – farmers, traders, handicrafts. Plato has been criticized for ignoring the matter.
Many critics want Preto’s education plan to be totalitarian. They want to say that Prato’s education plans lack self-interest. Purposive learning is tied to the practice of free knowledge. Through an education scheme, Plato showed an attempt to mechanically manipulate people for special purposes. This is in the name of totalitarianism
Conservatives want to criticize Plato for advocating for equal education for men and women.
Despite the above criticism, Prato’s education plan is still appreciated for recognizing the importance of education in the state, the need for a compulsory and state-controlled education system, the opportunity to provide practical education in the curriculum, and above all the recognition of women’s education.
Summary:
Plato had introduced his ideal state-of-the-art education system to create a better ruler and responsible citizen and a productive class for the state. He proposed compulsory education in his education system, state-controlled and equal opportunities for women’s education. Many people want to call “The Republic” as an educational anthology for his plan. Critics have tried to label his education plan as blasphemous and totalitarian.
