Education and the Philosophical Ideal by Horatio W. Dresser - Read the Complete Text for free at NewThoughtLibrary.com

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Horatio W. Dresser's

Education and the Philosophical Ideal

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Preface - Introduction - The New Point of View - Educational Ideals - Equanimity - The Subconscious Mind - The Spiritual Ideal in Childhood - An Experiment in Education - The Expression of the Spirit - An Ideal Summer Conference - The Ministry of the Spirit - The Mystery of Pain and Evil - The Philosophical Ideal - The Criteria of Truth - Organic Perfection - Immortality - Index - p. 247

we change our mode of life, a modified curriculum will be a natural and inevitable result.

With a reform in our thought and life, a reform in kindergarten methods will also follow.¹ Froebel was inspired by a grand ideal of spiritual education, but many of his exponents are unequal as yet to the task of interpreting him. An entire philosophical system is involved in his doctrine, and one must live and think deeply to understand it.

The chief defects of current kindergarten methods are not, however, philosophical but practical. As at present carried out, Froebel's ideas undoubtedly lead to many vague fancies which must some time give place to sound scientific knowledge. The diffusion of force exemplified in some kindergartens must also be remedied. If all instruction could be in harmony with natural law, there would be little need of many of the methods now employed.

Nature teaches concentration, system. The child whose training is grounded in natural law may be educated by a higher method than either the old orthodox system with its enforced silence and irksome reverence, or the new method, or lack of method, with its extreme regard for passing whims and fancies. Just as extreme restriction at home breeds deceit among the children and is harmful to the parents who uphold the rules, so the neglect of that training which gives concentration is followed by unfortunate results in the later years of mental unfolding.

(1) See an able critique by President Stanley Hall in the Forum. January, PP,

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