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Study Guide for Alfred North Whitehead's "The Aims of Education"

Thomas Hardy

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Alfred North Whitehead's "The Aims of Education" (1929) is a seminal work in the field of educational philosophy. In this book, Whitehead argues that the primary aim of education is to develop well-rounded individuals who can think for themselves, solve problems, and contribute positively to society. He also provides a detailed account of the metaphysical foundations of education and offers practical suggestions for curriculum design and pedagogical approaches.

Metaphysical Foundations: Whitehead's educational philosophy is grounded in his metaphysical belief that the world is a process of becoming. He argues that reality is not static but is constantly changing and evolving. This view of reality has profound implications for education, as it suggests that students should not be taught to memorize facts but rather to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate a constantly changing world.

Aims of Education: Whitehead argues that the primary aim of education should be to develop well-rounded individuals who are capable of thinking for themselves, solving problems, and contributing positively to society. He identifies four main aims of education:

Study Guide for Alfred North Whitehead's The Aims of Education

by CGP Books

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Language	:	English
File size	:	651 KB
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Print length	:	64 pages
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To develop knowledge
To develop technical skills
To develop character
To develop aesthetics

Curriculum Design: Whitehead provides a detailed account of how to design a curriculum that will achieve the aims of education. He argues that the curriculum should be based on a study of the great works of literature, art, and music. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching science and mathematics, as these subjects provide students with the tools necessary to understand the world around them.

Pedagogical Approaches: Whitehead offers a number of practical suggestions for pedagogical approaches that can be used to achieve the aims of education. He emphasizes the importance of active learning, hands-on experiences, and student-centered teaching. He also argues that teachers should be passionate about their subjects and should strive to inspire their students.

Whitehead's "The Aims of Education" is still relevant to modern education today. His insights into the metaphysical foundations of education and his practical suggestions for curriculum design and pedagogical approaches are valuable resources for educators who are seeking to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

The following study questions can help you to deepen your understanding of Alfred North Whitehead's "The Aims of Education":

What are the metaphysical foundations of Whitehead's educational philosophy?
What are the four main aims of education according to Whitehead?
How does Whitehead believe that a curriculum should be designed?
What pedagogical approaches does Whitehead recommend?
How is Whitehead's "The Aims of Education" still relevant to modern education today?

If you are interested in learning more about Alfred North Whitehead's "The Aims of Education," you may find the following resources helpful: