Relationship between philosophy and education

After discussing the meaning and concept of both education and philosophy, it is not very difficult to describe the relationship between the two. Apparently, there seems to be little connection between them. One is science while the other is an art. One is speculative while the other is practical.

But philosophy determines the supreme aim of life and sets standards and values that should guide and direct man’s educational efforts to achieve them. Thus philosophy is a major concern of education. There is, in fact, an intimate relationship between philosophy and education which may be described briefly as under.
Firstly, philosophy points out the way, to be followed by education 

 Education means modification of the child’s native behaviour. But the problem is in which direction modification should be carried out and what should be the standards and values, to strive for. This problem is solved by philosophy which points out the way to be followed by the educator in the modification of the child’s behaviour. Philosophy, thus, deals with the ends and education is a laboratory’ in which philosophic theories and speculations are tested and made concrete.

Education may, therefore, be rightly called applied philosophy. Philosophy is wisdom; education transmits that wisdom from one generation to the other. Philosophy is in reality the theory of education. In other words, education is the dynamic side of philosophy, or application of the fundamental principles of philosophy. Philosophy formulates the method, education its process. Philosophy gives ideals, values and principles. Education works out those ideals, values and principles.

Secondly, Education is the Best Means for the Propagation of Philosophy:

A philosopher is a constant seeker of truth. He contemplates on the real nature of the universe, the real nature of man and man’s destiny. It is only after a good deal of contemplation and deliberation that he arrives at the truth and lays down certain aims, ideals and values. He then tries to live in accordance with those aims and values and also wants others to be converted to his beliefs and live according to them.

This he can achieve through education which is the best means for the propagation of his philosophy. Ross has beautifully summed up this point, when he says, “Philosophy and education are two sides of the same coins where the former is the contemplative while the latter is the active side.” “Education then,” as Sir John Adam has put it, “is the dynamic side of philosophy.” Philosophy sets the goal of life; education provides the means for its achievement. Education becomes more prominent than philosophy as action speaks louder than words or belief. A belief that is vital, results in a prominent education effort.

Thirdly, all Great Philosophers of the World Have Also Been Great Educators