IDEALISM


 

IDEALISM: A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION

1. Introduction to Idealism

Idealism is one of the oldest and most influential philosophies in the history of human thought. It asserts that ideas, mind, or spirit are the ultimate realities of the universe. The physical world is secondary, while consciousness, values, and ideals are primary.

In simple terms:

“Reality is mental or spiritual, not material.”

Idealism upholds values such as truth, beauty, goodness, morality, and spirituality, considering them eternal and absolute.

2. History of Idealistic Philosophy

a) Origin

Idealism originated in the Vedic and Upanishadic traditions (India) and Greek philosophy (West).

Both civilizations independently developed the notion that the ultimate truth is spiritual, not material.

b) Development Through Ages

Ancient Indian Idealism

Upanishads: Brahman (ultimate reality) is pure consciousness.
Advaita Vedanta (Śaṅkara): World is Maya (illusion); Brahman alone is real.
Buddhism (Yogachara School): Reality exists only in consciousness (vijnapti-matram).
Samkhya–Yoga influence: Primacy of Purusha (pure consciousness).

Ancient Western Idealism

Socrates (470–399 BCE): Knowledge is virtue; truth exists in the mind.
Plato (427–347 BCE): World of Ideas/Forms is real; physical world is imitation.
Plotinus (204–270 CE): Neoplatonism – the One is ultimate spiritual reality.

Medieval Idealism

St. Augustine: God is the highest truth.
St. Thomas Aquinas: Divine rationality reflected in humans.

Modern Idealism

  • Descartes: “I think, therefore I am”—mind is the foundation of knowledge.
  • Berkeley: “To be is to be perceived” (Esse est percipi).
  • Kant: Mind shapes reality; phenomena vs. noumena.
  • Hegel: Absolute Idealism—reality is the unfolding of the Absolute Spirit.
  • Fichte and Schelling: Self-consciousness as ultimate truth.

3. Philosophical Principles of Idealism

Idealism is based on the following core principles:

1. Reality is Spiritual or Mental

Mind, spirit, or ideas are the true essence of the universe.

2. Truth is Absolute and Eternal

Values like truth, beauty, and goodness are universal and unchanging.

3. Knowledge Comes from Mind

Reason, intuition, and introspection are higher than sensory experience.

4. Human Being is Spiritual

The aim of life is the realization of the self or the divine within.

5. Moral and Cultural Values are Important

Character development, moral values, and ethics are central.

6. Universe is Purposeful

Idealism sees a divine, purposeful order underlying existence.

4. Ideas of Idealism

  • Idea is the ultimate reality
  • Mind > matter
  • Education should cultivate ideals
  • Human personality should be developed fully
  • Moral and spiritual development is the highest goal

IDEALISM IN EDUCATION


 

Idealism has had a strong influence on the philosophy and practice of education, particularly in value-based and child-centred traditions.

5. Aims of Education According to Idealism

1. Self-realization or Spiritual Development

To help the learner realize the divine nature of the self.

2. Development of Intelligence and Character

Education must develop:

  • reasoning
  • morality
  • aesthetic appreciation
  • will power

3. Preservation and Transmission of Culture

Education should transmit cultural and moral heritage.

4. Development of Moral and Ethical Values

To cultivate truth, beauty, goodness, and righteousness.

5. Harmonious Development of Personality

Physical, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and aesthetic growth.

6. Role of the Teacher in Idealism

The teacher is central and holds an exalted position.

Teacher = moral and spiritual guide
Source of inspiration and role model
Facilitator of moral and intellectual development
Helps students discover truth through discussion, dialogue, and reflection
Acts as philosopher, friend, and guide
Helps students realize their inner potential

“The teacher is more important than textbooks.”

7. Curriculum According to Idealism

Idealistic curriculum focuses on subjects that promote mental, moral, and aesthetic development.

a) Core Curriculum Areas

  • Humanities
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Religion
  • Ethics
  • Fine arts (music, painting)
  • History
  • Language

b) Secondary Areas

Sciences (as a way to develop reasoning)
Mathematics (logic and mental discipline)

Important Features

Curriculum should be value-oriented
Should include great books and classical literature
Emphasizes universal truths
Encourages cultural and spiritual education

8. Methods of Teaching in Idealism

1. Lecture and Discussion

Teacher explains concepts; student participates intellectually.

2. Socratic Questioning

Dialogue method to discover truth.

3. Introspection and Reflection

Students think deeply about moral and philosophical issues.

4. Project Work (Value-based)

Linked to moral and social ideals.

5. Imitation of Great Lives

Learning through example.

6. Moral and Religious Instruction

Instills values and spiritual discipline.

9. Student’s Role in Idealism

  • Active participant in learning
  • Seeker of truth
  • Develops reasoning and moral judgment
  • Respects teacher as guide
  • Engages in introspection and self-discipline
  • Works toward self-perfection

10. Discipline in Idealism

Idealists believe in inner discipline.

Features

Self-discipline based on moral values
Respect for authority (teacher)
Freedom within limits
Development of will power
School environment should be moral and spiritual

11. Evaluation in Idealism

Evaluation focuses on qualitative, not merely quantitative measures.

Types of Evaluation

Continuous observation
Oral examinations
Essay writing
Moral and value-based judgments
Assessment of attitudes, character, and behavior

Focus is on development of the whole personality, not rote learning.

12. Chief Propounders of Idealism

Ancient Thinkers

India

Upanishadic Sages
Shankaracharya (Advaita Vedanta)
Buddhists (Yogachara School)

Greece

Socrates
Plato (Principal ancient idealist)

Modern Thinkers

Descartes
Bishop Berkeley
Immanuel Kant
Johann Fichte
Friedrich Schelling
G. W. F. Hegel (Absolute Idealism)

These philosophers shaped modern educational thought.

13. Idealism and the Current Education System

Idealism continues to influence modern education in many ways:

1. Emphasis on Values and Ethics

Value education in curriculum
Life skills education
Moral instruction, citizenship education

2. Focus on Holistic Development

Physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual growth.

3. Importance of Teacher as Mentor

Teachers are guides and facilitators, not just information providers.

4. Promoting Cultural and Humanistic Education

Humanities, arts, literature, and social sciences remain core.

5. Child-Centred but Value-Oriented

Combining freedom with responsibility.

6. Spiritual and Character Education

Modern education emphasizes mindfulness, emotional intelligence, spirituality, and ethical reasoning—deeply rooted in idealistic thought.

7. Curriculum Based on “Great Ideas”

Liberal arts, classical texts, and world literature are influenced by idealism.

14. Significance of Idealism in Modern Times

Even though modern society emphasizes science and technology, idealism remains relevant because:

  • It teaches values in a value-crisis world
  • Supports humanistic education
  • Promotes moral development
  • Encourages self-realization and mindfulness
  • Strengthens cultural identity
  • Respects the dignity and potential of every learner

REFERENCES 

Aquinas, T. (1999). Selected philosophical writings (T. McDermott, Ed.). Oxford University Press.

Augustine, St. (1998). Confessions (H. Chadwick, Trans.). Oxford University Press.

Berkeley, G. (1998). A treatise concerning the principles of human knowledge. Oxford University Press.

Brubacher, J. S. (2004). Modern philosophies of education. Pearson.

Descartes, R. (1996). Meditations on first philosophy (J. Cottingham, Trans.). Cambridge University Press.

Hegel, G. W. F. (1977). Phenomenology of spirit (A. V. Miller, Trans.). Oxford University Press.

Kant, I. (1998). Critique of pure reason (P. Guyer & A. Wood, Trans.). Cambridge University Press.

Knight, G. R. (2006). Philosophy and education: An introduction in Christian perspective. Andrews University Press.

Ozmon, H., & Craver, S. (2011). Philosophical foundations of education (9th ed.). Pearson.

Plato. (2007). The Republic (D. Lee, Trans.). Penguin.

Sharma, R. N. (2003). Philosophical and sociological foundations of education. Surjeet Publications.

Shankara, Ś. (1978). Crest-jewel of discrimination (Vivekachudamani) (C. Isherwood & S. Prabhavananda, Trans.). Vedanta Press.

Tarnas, R. (1991). The passion of the Western mind. Ballantine Books.

Upadhyaya, R. L. (2001). Foundations of Indian philosophy. Sri Satguru Publications. 

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