Aristotle Philosopher, educator, scientist & Logician

Aristotle Philosopher, Educator, Scientist &Logician andrapper?

One mans influence on lifelong learning

An introduction to Aristotle and his contributions to the field of adult educationWho was Aristotle?Aristotle as teacher and educator (1)Aristotle was a student of Plato, who in turn was a student of Socrates. He benefited from, contested with, passed down and developed some of the greatest knowledge, research and philosophical dialogues in history.

Aristotle devoted as much time to teaching as to research. Interestingly, he illustrated his lectures with images and declared that it is impossible to think without images.

Though the majority of his writings have been lost to the ages, his teachings and lectures are a part of his lifes work that has lived on through the work of scholars and educators for more than 2,300 years.

A tutor of Macedons young Alexander (the Great), the questions can be asked, Without Alexander, what would we know of Aristotle? And without Aristotle, would Alexander have achieved the same legacy?

Established the Lyceum at age 50, which coincides with when he believed the soul reaches maturity and man has achieved enough life experiences to better purse philosophical and intellectual development (2).

The goal of education is identical with the goal of manAristotles legacy in lifelong learning is marked by three characteristics: The study of distinct subject matters the co-joint activities of ethics and politics the states essential need for public education for its citizens (6)The work of education determines that intellectual virtue is learned through instruction, moral virtue is learned by habit. Freedom is one of the ultimate goals of education. By using the leisure time that comes with freedom to develop lifes full intellectual potential, an educated citizen serves the state and attends to the business of man, which is the pathway to happiness (1).Aristotle presents four arguments for public education: from constitutional requirements from the origins of virtue from a common end to be sought by all citizens of the statefrom the inseparability of the individual and the community (6).

Aristotles stages of continuing education (3)Who makes up a community and who is entitled to intellectual development through public education?The philosophers contribution to metaphysics (reality of spirit and form, the nature of man with reference to destiny and nature) influenced his educational theory with regard to teaching intellectual development and the formation of good moral habits. Aristotles Philosophy on the Nature of Man (5)It is only through education that potential happiness can become truly accessible. Education is the touchstone of Aristotelian ethics. The virtues, wisdom and happiness are acquired through education. The art of living is something to be learned. (1)On Happiness and Ethics (5)References1.) Hummel, C. (1993). Aristotle (384-322 B.C.). Prospects: the quarterly review of comparative education. UNESCO: International Bureau of Education, 23, 1/2, 1993, p. 39-51. Paris: UNESCO.

2.) Lewis, R.B. (1981). The philosophical roots of lifelong learning. Abstract retrieved September 24, 2010 from ERIC database, (ED213356).

3.) Mattimore-Knudson, R. (1981). Forum: Aristotles view of the andragogy/pedagogy issue. Journal of Extension, March/April, 1981, p. 29-31.

4.) Educational Encyclopedia: Aristotle. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from http://www.answers.com/topic/aristotle.

5.) The life of Aristotle. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/ageexed/acee/aristotle.html.

6.) Education for a common end. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1763/Aristotle-384-322-B- C-E.html.