Consider the influence of Aristotle on thinking about the nature and purpose of education – What are the pedagogical impactions of his ideas?
You will be assessed according to:
– understanding of the work of your chosen philosopher, focusing on a small selection of his/her work (relevant to childhood, youth and education – including coaching);
– Your ability to relate the work of your chosen writer to a) that of at least one other writer, and b) issues of concern today relating to childhood, youth and/or education;
– The clarity of your writing and your overall argument.
Construct your essay:
1. Brief introduction to your philosopher and statement about the aspect of his ideas you are focusing on. Perhaps some historical context and/or explanation of your own interest, approach. “I will argue that in relation to education [or schooling] in the UK today, X’s ideas about the aims and purposes of education are…”
2. Overview of the philosopher’s ideas/arguments concerning aims and purposes of education/ educational institutions and teachers/ the nature of childhood/the politics of education. Include at least one main quotation and some small “running” quotations or phrases. Use block quotation if more than a couple of sentences long.
3. Close in on a particular aspect of the philosopher’s ideas, probably related to your subtitle. Include a longer quotation that you can then analyse and evaluate. Consider an objection and possibly a counterargument to the objection.
4. Relate the discussion to another philosopher or theorist, either by pointing to similarities or to differences in their ideas. At least one quotation. Possibly argue in favour of one or the other philosopher, or of an alternative approach.
5. Consider the influence of, and the relevance for, your philosopher’s ideas for education/schooling today – for example, in relation to the curriculum, pedagogy, policy, social justice, parenting. Don’t be afraid to refer to you own experience.
6. A conclusion that follows from the case you have been constructing – perhaps relating to overall strength and/or weaknesses in his ideas/arguments, perhaps raising further questions. Relate back to the assignment title and to his influence on your own thinking (whether positive or negative).