Ask AI: Discuss philosopher Plato traditional positions and the aim of education and references from 2019

Plato, a philosopher in Classical Greece, founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning. His vision of education was intricately linked to his broader philosophical ideals, which are primarily discussed in works like "The Republic," "The Apology," "The Meno," and "The Phaedrus." ### Traditional Positions on Education: 1. **Education as a Means to Achieve Justice:** Plato believed that education should cultivate virtue and wisdom, leading to a just society. In "The Republic," he describes a tripartite structure of the soul and society, emphasizing the need for a harmonious relationship between reason, spirit, and appetite. Education ensures that each part of the society fulfills its role – rulers (philosopher-kings) educated to govern wisely, soldiers trained to protect, and producers skilled to sustain the economy. 2. **The Theory of Forms:** Central to Plato’s philosophy is the Theory of Forms, which posits that the material world is a shadow of a higher reality comprising eternal and immutable Forms. Education, for Plato, is the realization of the Form of the Good. The ultimate educational aim is to ascend from the world of opinion and belief to the world of knowledge and understanding. 3. **The Allegory of the Cave:** In "The Republic," Plato uses the Allegory of the Cave to illustrate the transformative journey of education. He compares unenlightened people to prisoners in a dark cave, believing the shadows on the wall to be the only reality. Education is the process of leading someone out of the cave into the sunlight, symbolizing the movement from ignorance to knowledge and enlightenment. 4. **Dialectical Method:** Education, for Plato, is not simply the transmission of information but involves rigorous dialectical processes, engaging in questioning and dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and uncover deeper truths. This method establishes a pupil's ability to reason and understand complex concepts. ### Aim of Education: 1. **Development of Rational and Moral Virtues:** The primary aim is the development of rational and moral virtues. Education should cultivate the intellect and character, guiding individuals towards eudaimonia (fulfillment or flourishing). It is concerned with both intellectual training and moral upbringing. 2. **Preparation for Civic Leadership:** Plato believed that only those who had achieved a high level of philosophical understanding were fit to govern. Therefore, the aim of education is also to prepare future leaders who possess wisdom, rationality, and moral integrity. 3. **Philosophical Contemplation:** An important aim of education is to prepare individuals for the contemplation of true knowledge and the Form of the Good, preparing souls for a philosophical life focused on ultimate truths and ethical principles. ### References from 2019: Contemporary discussions and research continue to explore and critique Plato's educational philosophy. For recent scholarly discussions from 2019, you can explore articles such as: 1. **"Plato on Education and Art"** by Matthew Sharpe: Sharpe discusses the relevance of Platonic educational ideals in contemporary pedagogy. 2. **"Re-examining Socratic Pedagogy: The Efficacy and Ethics of Socratic Questioning in Modern Education"** by Denise Shull: This paper analyses Socratic methods within today's educational context. 3. **"Virtue's Knowledge: Plato's Educational Vision Reconceptualized in a Modern Context"** by Jonathan Lear: Lear offers insights into how Plato’s views on virtue and knowledge can be applied to current educational systems. 4. **A volume from “Studies in Philosophy and Education,” focusing on the relationship between Plato's ideas and modern educational practices. While direct access to these articles might require academic database subscriptions such as JSTOR or direct purchase, academic libraries or institutions often provide access to such resources.