Philosophy and Ethics in Education Studies - In Depth Notes

  • Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners

    • Recognition of the traditional owners of the land where the Griffith University campuses are located:
    • Yagarabul
    • Yuggera
    • Jagera
    • Turrbal
    • Yugambeh
    • Kombumerri peoples

  • Plato’s Philosophy & Education

    • Distinction between two worlds and ways of knowing.
    • Vision of education focused on turning the soul from the world of becoming to being.
    • Certain subjects are tools for liberating the mind.
    • Emergence of elite groups in academic education, leading to a dominant status.
    • Academic education’s elitism as a foundation of modern civilization.
    • Introduction of Rousseau’s contrasting vision in Week 3.

  • Session Goals

    • Review Rousseau’s philosophy of education.
    • Explore arguments for humanist education.
    • Discuss post-Rousseau progressive education.
    • Outline topics for Assignment 1.

  • Rousseau’s Ideal

    • Emphasized play as a pinnacle of child development.
    • Believed that play shapes one’s future life.

  • Key Concepts of Rousseau’s Vision

    • Society's Influence: Viewed society as a potential corruptive force; education should counteract this.
    • Perfectibilite: Balance between personal wants and capabilities.
    • Amour de soi vs Amour propre:
    • Protecting self-love to prepare individuals for societal engagement.
    • Learning Environment:
    • Foster close-to-nature experiences, encouraging exploration and risk.
    • Introduce societal realities that build compassion and critical thinking.

  • The Ideal Teacher According to Rousseau

    • The teacher’s role: sensitive facilitation of Emile’s inquiries without imposing objectives.
    • Anticipate the student’s interests and guide them appropriately (Nel Noddings, 2007).

  • Group Discussions

    • Question 1: Importance of initiative and creativity vs. structured learning.
    • Question 2: Protection from societal influences in the digital age vs. engagement with society.
    • Encourage critical, dialectical, and creative thinking in discussions.

  • Post-Rousseau Philosophers

    • Interest in Pestalozzi, Herbart, and Froebel’s ideas and their legacies for education.

  • Modern Progressive Education

    • Mention of educational models like Parkhurst, Dalton Schools, Neil and Summerhill School.
    • Query about discipline’s role in modern classrooms.

  • Brisbane Independent School

    • Origin of BIS inspired by Summerhill School principles.
    • Principal Jen Haynes’ explanation on theory-practice alignment.
    • Assessing alignment with humanist ideas and any contradictions.

  • Review & Preview

    • Rousseau’s child-centered education perspective.
    • View of youth as inherently good, needing societal protection.
    • Impact of Rousseau’s philosophy on education systems.
    • Upcoming focus on John Dewey’s philosophy and vocational education.

  • Assignment 1

    • Explore different philosophical visions evident in schooling experiences.
    • Discuss any tensions arising from combining various philosophies.
    • Provide examples to illustrate experiences with educational philosophies.
    • Length: 1,000-1,500 words; due 22 April.

  • Assignment Criteria

    • Clear explanations of arguments for each philosophy studied.
    • Comprehensive discussion on tensions between philosophies.
    • Insightful examples correlating personal schooling experiences to philosophies.
    • Total points: 50.