Outlines of Educational Doctrine

Outlines of Educational Doctrine

1. The plasticity, or educability, of the pupil is the fundamental postulate of pedagogics. The concept plasticity, or capacity for being moulded, extends far beyond the confines of pedagogics. It takes in even the primary components of matter. It has been traced as far as the elementary substances entering into the chemical changes of organic bodies. Signs of plasticity of will are found in the souls of the higher animals. Only man, however, exhibits plasticity of will in the direction of moral conduct. Had not the youthful mind the capacity to receive culture, education would be impossible. This educability of the young has rarely if ever been questioned in actual practice. Much philosophical strife, however, has raged about the various conceptions of WILL, and the consequent possibility of teaching virtue, or of training the moral character. The extremes have been fatalism, or the determination of conduct by means of forces lying entirely outside the power of the individual; and absolute caprice of will, or the determination of conduct[2] entirely by the individual himself without regard to outside influences. The doctrine of fatalism makes moral education mechanical; that of volitional caprice makes it futile. Educational theory must therefore assume a middle ground, in which the self-activity of the individual and the moulding influence of education are both recognized. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 44905
Author: De Garmo, Charles
Release Date: Feb 14, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Contributor (Author): Herbart, Johann Friedrich, 1776-1841


Translator: Lange, Alexis Frederick, 1862-1924