Humanism &

Its Educational Implications

By M.VIJAYALAKSHMI

Assistant Professor

• Very old philosophy• It is derived from the great minds and works

in Eastern and Western history and literature• Does not find its origin in experimental

sciences and mathematical statistics• It is movement to gain for man a proper

recognition in the universe• It is concerned with the restoration of lost

values• Humanist thought – man is an end and not a

means

Literal Meaning

• Humaniora – means study of human body and surrounding nature

• Lamon – • “Humanism is a Philosophy of Joyous

Service for the greater good of all humanity in this natural world and according to the methods of reason and democracy”

Meaning • Cultural movement to emancipate the quest

for human excellence• Implies a specific preferences for human

values• Blind faith on religious dogmas is to be left

out• Want secularism of education• Truth must be based on reason • Moral virtues should not be cultivated

• Humanism is the attitude of mind which attaches primary importance to man and to his faculties, affairs temporal aspirations and well-being

- Encyclopedia Britannica

Based on two principles

Values upheld by a nation affect history• Good follows when a nations values are

of the highest quality• Modern man must learn from historyGreat literature stresses values • Ramayana, Mahabharta and

Panchatantra

• Humanism means religious freedom• Humanism is a proper adjustment in life• Humanism as a philosophy asserts that

man is the centre and measure of all activities in the world

• It means to express feeling about all human happenings

• The purpose of humanism is to create interests in all spheres of life

Fundamental postulates of Humanism

• Man is a rational being• Realization of spiritual ideals• Human perfection• Conquest and control of man• Human freedom • Welfare of the whole of the community

Fundamental Principles of Humanism

• Values are not Relative but Absolute• The Values held by people affect

History• The Values themselves are

inexpressible• The Humanist Emphasizes Literature• Human nature does not change

• The Concept of Man – creation of this world• The Concept of Mind -

function• Human Freedom - reality

Aims of Education• Cultivation of the intellect • Education is an inclusive concept and

not mere schooling• Liberations of Mind• Human Perfection• Happiness and Material abundance• Welfare of the Total Humanity

Humanistic Curriculum

• Greek• Latin • History• Music• Dialectic• Vocational Education is not emphasized

Humanistic Curriculum

Relation to man to natureRelation to man to himselfRelation to man to other manIncludes – humanities and

applied sciences

Methods of Teaching• Teacher centered methods are favoured• Drill and exercise • Oral Examination• Direction Method• Method of Understanding and

Reproduction• Debate and Discussion Method• Paly-way Method

Discipline• Theory stresses much on human value• Punishment is there, but they also have

great sympathy for the child• Caning is resorted to• Teacher plays an important role• Dominates in the provision of educational

programmes• Seif-imposed• Should grow from within

Humanism and Democracy• It should be assimilated in

human life that it affects his philosophical, educational, religious, social and economic spheres

Humanism and Teacher• Should have qualities of head and heart• Have the ability to understand, to direct, to

stimulate and to guide the child• Should be endowed with insight and

imagination, intuition and sympathy, clarity, wisdom and well rounded and balanced personality

• Help the students in attaining happiness and human perfection

• Service to humanity should be encouraged

Educational Implications• Respect for ancient cultures• Respect for intellectuals and

literary and literary scholarship• Respect for language

Educational Implications of Humanism

• Respect for intellectuals and Literacy Scholarship• Freedom of Expression• Co-ordination between Humanities and Science

Subjects• Propagation of Democratic Principles• Respect for Ancient Cultures• Inculcation of Ethics of Humanism in the

Curriculum• Development of Thinking Power

• Milton – English poet and Humanist

“I call, therefore, a complete and generous education that which fits a man to perform justly, skill-fully and magnanimously all the offices – both private and public, of peace and war”