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Unit 1: Relation between Education and Philosophy and Philosophy of Education

In wider sense, education is a lifelong process and it is promoted by every experience in life Notes
—J.S. Mackenzie
Majority of scholars agree with this definition of education in wider sense, but with this defi nition

neither we get to know the nature of education process nor the result. As per us, we should defi ne
education in wider sense as following—
In wider sense, Education is such continuous purposive social activity which develops innate
powers; skill sets of human being and brings about change in its behavior, so that they could become
civilized, cultured and able citizens. With it, both individual and society grow continually.
Narrower Meaning of Education
In general, people understand education as schooling happening in schools and colleges only. This is
narrow meaning of education. We know that each society has its own lifestyle and ambitions and mature
members of society provides for education to train next generation in their style of living and to fulfi ll
their ambitions. Objectives, syllabus and method of education of such education are clearly defi ned.

Such education starts at a specific age of the child and continues up to specific age. This education runs

at defined place (school), by defined people (teacher) and between defined children (student). Today,
arrangement of such education is done by society or state. Then, it is ought to be the tool attainment
of social or state objectives. Development of any nation specially depends on this education only.
In this sense, before getting into school and after getting out of the school, process of education

does not function. Many scholars have tried to define this form of education, of which work of J.S.
Mackenzie is laudable. As per him—
In narrower sense, it may be taken to mean any consciously directed efforts to develop and cultivate
our powers. —J.S. Mackenzie

Majority of scholars agree with this definition of education in narrower sense, but with this defi nition
neither we get to know the nature of education process nor the result. As per us, we should defi ne
education in narrower sense as following—
In narrower sense, Education is such continuous purposive social activity happening in any defi ned
place (school) and time, which develops innate powers, skill sets of human being and brings about
change in its behavior, so that they could become civilized, cultured and able citizens. With it, both
individual and society grow continually.

Self Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions:
4. Materialistic Philosopher accept only physical life of human being—
(a) True (b) False (c) Infinite (d) None of the these

5. Innate behavior of human is—
(a) Comprehensive (b) Animal (c) Clear (d) Unclear
6. American academician John Dewey has considered education as—
(a) Bi-polar (b) Tri-polar (d) Quadra-polar (d) None of the these

1.3 Nature and Characteristics of Education

Basically, philosophers, sociologists, politicians, economists, psychologists and scientists have considered
on the nature of education. With their perspective, following is the fact about it—
1. Education is a social process. It has three major part-learner, teacher and material or activity of
learning and teaching. It is another thing that whether teacher is in-person behind the scenes.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 7

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