Here is a complete, well-explained long answer to the B.Ed. 1st Year 2022 question:
✅ Q2. What is Idealism? What has been its contribution to educational thoughts?
(16 Marks – Unit I)
✳️ Introduction:
Idealism is one of the oldest and most influential philosophies of education. It originated in ancient Greece, with Plato as its main exponent. Idealism believes that ideas, values, and the mind are the true reality, not the material world.
It emphasizes truth, beauty, goodness, and spirituality as the ultimate aims of life and education.
🔹 Definition of Idealism:
“Idealism is the philosophy which considers ideas as the only permanent reality, and the material world is just a shadow.”
– Plato
🧠 Basic Principles of Idealism in Education:
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Reality is spiritual and mental, not physical.
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The mind is more important than the body.
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Ideas and values are eternal and unchanging.
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Education is a process of unfolding the inner potential of a child.
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The teacher is a moral and intellectual guide.
✍️ Contributions of Idealism to Educational Thought:
1. 🎯 Aim of Education: Self-realization and Moral Development
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Education must help a student realize their higher self, develop moral character, and live a life of values.
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Focus is on truth, goodness, and beauty.
2. 📚 Curriculum Emphasis on Humanities and Spiritual Subjects
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Subjects like literature, philosophy, religion, ethics, fine arts, and history are given importance.
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The curriculum develops intellect and moral values.
3. 🧑🏫 Teacher’s Role
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Teacher is a spiritual and moral role model.
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The teacher guides the student towards truth and virtue, not just information delivery.
"The teacher is a living ideal for students."
4. 🎓 Discipline and Character Formation
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Idealism promotes strict discipline and self-control.
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Education should develop inner strength, conscience, and respect for rules.
5. 🧠 Focus on Intellectual Development
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Idealism emphasizes mental and rational training.
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Teaching methods such as discussion, questioning, and reflective thinking are preferred.
✅ Merits of Idealism in Education:
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Promotes high moral values and noble character
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Encourages critical and reflective thinking
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Respects the individual personality of each learner
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Emphasizes the role of education in nation-building and culture
⚠️ Limitations of Idealism:
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Less attention to practical and physical needs
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Too abstract for real-world applications
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Ignores scientific and technological aspects of modern education
📝 Conclusion:
Idealism has made a strong and lasting impact on educational thought by emphasizing the inner development, spiritual growth, and moral values of the learner.
Even though it may not fully meet the demands of modern scientific society, its principles continue to inspire educational aims, teacher roles, and moral instruction.
✅ Would you like the next question from Unit I or Unit II (e.g., about educational rights in the Indian Constitution)?