Philosophy of education

 By_____________

Philosophy is derived form two Latin words. Philo and Sophia. Philo means “love” and sophia means “wisdom”. It means love for wisdom. Wisdom is the only quality due to which human beings are different fro0….                                                                                                                                          m animals. Every act or every activity has its own philosophy behind it. For example, the philosophy behind offering prayers is submission to God. While doing anything we use our brain and for this purpose, we use our wisdom or intellectual ability in which many things are involved.

i.                 Thinking

ii.               Planning

iii.             Decision making

iv.             Evaluation

v.               Observation

vi.             Selecting and rejecting

vii.           Concluding

viii.         Comparing and contrasting

ix.              Analyzing

x.                Assessing

xi.              Arguing

xii.            Synthesizing

xiii.          Comprehension

Definition of philosophy:

Leighton A-J defines it as “ philosophy gives a world view of the whole cosmos and a life view of the human beings values and purpose of life”

Montage.S has defined it as “Philosophy is an attempt to give reason and conception of the whole universe and of man’s place in it”. So brief we can say that philosophy provides a comprehensive relationship of man with universe and the creator of the universe.

This term is defined by a number of people by a number of ways. Some say that philosophy is “love for knowledge” some call it “pursuit of knowledge” the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines the term “ philosophy” as “search for knowledge and understanding of the nature and meaning of the universe and of human life” it is the study of the principles on which human behaviour is based. The world’s famous encyclopedia “Encyclopedia Britannica has defined philosophy as” the critical examination of the grounds for fundamental beliefs and an analysis of the basic concepts employed in the expression of such beliefs. Philosophical inquiry is a central element in the intellectual history of many historical civilizations.  In the light of above definition, it is concluded that philosophy is search for knowledge, wisdom, and the realties of life and principles. It is concerned with the a search for the eternal truth.

Functions/scope of philosophy:

Philosophy is an important subject that enables man to understand the very purpose of his existence in comparison to the universe, other living and non-living things and above all this helps him in understanding the relationship with his creator. Different philosophers have elaborated these important aspects of the philosophy in the form of functions of philosophy. Putting all the views of these philosophers,

 we can conclude the following:

1.               Philosophy searches for truth and reality

2.               Philosophy determines all standard of morality

3.               Philosophy criticized all existing fields of knowledge

4.               Philosophy propagates methods of deep thinking

5.               It investigate the whole realm of knowledge

6.               It gives a comprehensive worldview of life

7.               It discusses in detail the vital problems and issues of life

8.               It presents effective theories for successful living

9.               It preaches humbleness

10.            It makes people open minded

11.            It develops positive and objective outlook towards life

12.            It makes people inquisitive, rational and wise.

1.               It searches for truth and reality:

2.                

The foundation of philosophy lies in its investigative nature. It tries to find out the root causes and foundational facts about everything. It questions about the nature of vital issues of life. A real philosopher never satisfied until he reaches the root causes. Plato famous quotation explains this point very nicely. He says “ it is enough to say that a thing is so but the real knowledge to know why it is so”. If say this plant is green, it is not true but if a say why it is green this the true form of knowledge.

2:         It determines all standard of morality:

           

This subject takes great interest in the moral nature of man. It has a separate well

Developed branch which purely studies the moral aspects of human life and is called

Ethics. It deals with expected moral behaviour of man.

Humanity and its existence due to the belief and practice of high standard of morality. This subject takes great interest in the moral nature of man. It has separate well-developed branch, which purely studies the moral aspects of human life and is called ethics. it deals with expected moral behaviour of man

3:         It criticizes all existing fields of knowledge:

We criticize for improvement. The purpose is to analysis. It means break down into pieces for improvement. Philosophy criticizes all fields of knowledge. Criticism is a process, which if carried out in a healthy manner always leads to improvement and betterment. It involves analysis if the existing situation in order to put forward suggestions for better results. Critical approach in life ensures success and high level of achievement. There are two main advantages of criticism;

1.               It brings better comprehension of the composition of the nature of things

2.               It leads to improvement by developing the existing knowledge.

Philosophy has greatly criticized the following main institutions of life

1.               Government

This institution is criticized in order to find out the best form of govt. democracy, dictatorship and many other forms are analyzed in order to guide people for the best way of serving people.

2.               Education

This is another institution criticized by philosophers. The main purpose is improvement of the standard and quality of education

3.               Religion

In order to promote clarity of concepts, values ,believes and religion has been targeted by the philosophers. They believe in that philosophical understanding of the views and believes  that strengthen the faith

4.               It propagates method of deep thinking

Philosophy by nature is a reflective subject, which promotes thinking of all degree. Thinking is the tool of philosophers. They get involve in extensive and intensive thinking. The following are the main methods of deep thinking developed by philosophers.

i.                 Reflective thinking is that form of thinking where reflection of the past or previous activities are expected

ii.               Reasoning is a process of finding out systematic arguments to support the existing statements. Solid reasons for all knowledge established its validity or truthfulness. Reasoning highlights the root causes, promotes logical discussions and analytical discussion.

iii.             Comparison and contrast, in order to understand the nature, similarity and differences comparison and contrast is done. Factual and conceptual types of knowledge can best be understand through this method.

iv.             Analysis and synthesis enable us to break down big concepts into pieces for the purpose of better understanding. Synthesis is that process of deep thinking where smaller concepts are put together to make bigger meaningful wholes.

5.               Philosophy investigates the whole realm of knowledge

It is a very vast subject. Instead of specialization it promotes the in-toto approach. It makes the knowledge of the total world through our senses, appears to be desptive, if it is not supported with deep thinking. A famous French philosopher Descarte says “ I think therefore I am” we can have knowledge of material things and concepts in an ideal way through deep thinking, reasoning and reflections along with the sensory knowledge. Permanence and breadth of knowledge is obtained through continuous and rigorous thinking.

6.               It gives a comprehensive world view of knowledge:

Philosophy as a subject over view all the aspects of life. The knowledge of philosophy gives us a whole sum picture of all the situation and features of life. The logic behind this function is that in order to study and understand the individual components we must look at the total scenario in order to understand the inter relationship of different aspects to each other. Philosophers have a strong belief that nothing exist in isolation. In order to appreciate its actual role we must understand the influences of different factors on each other.

7.         It discusses in detail the vital problems and issues of life

The key function of philosophy is to help people to lead a successful life, with this objective it tries its best to throw full light  on those problems and issues of life which are confronted by human beings throughout their life. The values, concepts, believes and the practical implication of them are the main subject of philosophy. The origin of universe, the beginning of life, the continuity of human races, the mechanisms of living are elaborated by this subject. The creator of the whole world and all his creations are thoroughly understand and elaborated as regards their functions and importance. This knowledge adds to the intellectual confidence and comprehension ability of people studying this subject.

8.     It presents effective theories for successful living

Philosophy concludes the intellectual efforts by presenting these in the form of concentrated theories, which can be applied at any time by any one. These theories are the essence of the whole subject of philosophy. The objective is to provide guidelines, understanding and ability to benefit and spend a successful life. These theories are the result of long experience, rigorous thinking and vast study of the relevant literature. The outstanding theories that are appreciated all over the world are idealism, realism, pragmatism, existentialism, humanism etc.

9.     It preaches humbleness

Philosophy provides the knowledge about the whole world by giving a true picture of the proportions. This enables us to understand his position in relation to the whole universe. The more we gain knowledge the more we grow thirsty for knowledge. Our ability to learn more and more makes us realize that our knowledge is not enough and absolute. We can practice humbleness in our every day life if we constantly remember our position in the trio of existence. Humbleness enables us to benefit form the experiences and theories of other people. This takes us on the road of improvement form good to better and better to best.

10.  It makes people open minded

Philosophy by virtue of its nature adds to the practical knowledge of its practionares. It develops an ability to judge everything in a non prejudiced manner. The open mindedness means broad mindedness and focusing on broad goals and long range objectives. Open minded people do not get disturb by petty issues. We should always try to look at ourselves in relation to the whole universe or the entire existing situation. We should develop a positive outlook and get red of all biases and prejudices. Open mindedness gives us strength to tolerate the negatives of life and helps us to enjoy the positive of life in a balanced way. Philosophy teaches us that we should not reject and criticize the cultures, traditions and language of others nations rather we should give them due respect and try to adopt their positive features. Open mindedness leads to progress and prosperity, 

11.  It develops positive and objective outlook towards life

Philosophy has one of its important function, develops objectivity and positives in our behaviour. If we remain objective we do not unnecessarily exaggerated situations. And we are not dominated by our personal likes and dislikes and preferences. Objective approach prevents us from getting emotional and confused. Whereas positive approach makes us optimist. Positive thinkers always take the bright sight of all aspects of life which keeps us encouraged and motivated. Positive thinkers always had the strength to face the hardships with the best utilization of their ability.

12.  It make people inquisitive, rational and wise

Wisdom is the ultimate quality to be developed by through philosophy. This quality expects a rational behaviour and an inquisitive attitude towards life. Inquisitiveness enables us to find out more and more about everything by asking questions about its nature, history, functions and importance. Satisfactory answers to these questions adds to our knowledge and makes us wise and educated. Wisdom is that state of mind, which accepts nothing without satisfactory set of reasons. Wisdom is always in search of truth and solid reasons. Philosophy gives us those skills and habits, which enables us to have a continuous addition to our wisdom and sources of information

Theories of philosophy presented by different philosophers

PRAGMATISIM

 By_________________

According to pragmatics all ideas will be accepted as true as long as they are useful and improving human life. It is critical of older system of philosophy. In part philosophy has made a mistake of looking for ultimate realities. Human life and human experiences are more important, according to pragmatists. With pragmatism philosophy shifted from metaphysical problems to the problems of social life. It is an acceptance of the experiences and facts of everyday life as fundamental. Reality is just what it is experienced as being ; it is flues or change.

 It is also called experimentalism and instructionalism, or, it believes in the sue of scientific inquiry and experimentation. All ideas will be used as instruments for human life. Supporters of this philosophy are Charles Peiral, Willam Jmaes and John Dewey.

Charles Peirce sometimes called the founder of pragmatism because in his article” how to make our ideas clear.” John Dewey is the chief supporter of this theory. To him experience is the whole human drama, and physical environment.

Aims and objectives

1.               Development of potentialities

The talent and ability of every individual should be developed

2.               Preparation of social life

Education will provide training for better social life

3.               Earn a livelihood

Education must prepare individuals such a manner that they are able to earn their living. Education should be useful for the individual

The education process

The student has a central place in teaching learning process

The teacher

1.               To act as a guide and leader, not to act as a disciplinarian or authoritarian

2.               To develop the potentialities of students

3.               To help students learn intelligently

4.               Teacher will be full of ideas and will plan the activities of students

5.               Teacher will be specially trained in the study of , child and adolescent development, child psychology, guidance and methods of teaching

6.               Teacher should not give direct instruction, but help students in a state of difficulty

7.               Freedom should be given to students to move about in the class

The pupil

1.               The student should not be passive partner in the teaching learning process

2.               They have mind, ideas and ability to shape in the learning experiences

3.               Their initiative and interest will be of permanent importance

4.               They will not memorize things but will do and create something

5.               Freedom of movement will be enjoyed by the students

6.               They should be encouraged to learn performing experiments

7.               Sufficient learning material should be provided and make available to learn by doing something

The curriculum

The curriculum should be activity based

Realism

Realism

By______________

Objects of our senses are real in their own right. Mind and external world are in interaction. Matter is prior to mind. Matter existed long before the mind become aware of it and it will continue to exist even when the mind ceases to exist. There is no mind without life and no life without matter.” The world is as it is, no matter what man thinks about it:

According to Aristotle, the real world is the world of sense and form(organization of ideas) and matter is inseparable. The exponents of this theory are Aristotle, Brondy, Herbert and Locke

Aims of education:

Realists place emphasis on “ character building” as an aim of education. It refers to regard to moral, social, religion, aesthetic, economic and political values.

The chief objective of education for realists is the good life I-g to except the challenge of life, to accept pain and pleasure as part and parcel of life. Not to be disappointed by the sorrows of life and not eb enjoy with happiness. When moderation is adopted in all works of life, the result will be good individual who will make up a good society.

The educative process:

The teacher:

According to realists, the teacher should posses the following characteristics:

1.               help students to lead a balanced life

2.               to develop their potentials

3.               to show regard to moral, social and religious values

4.               to give knowledge of the world

5.               help them to exercise self-control

The pupil

The individual personalities is formed by true principles

1.               Self-determination:

The individual himself is going to determine his place in the society. To think about his future decides about his job and perform responsibilities towards family, school and community

2.               Self-realization

Every individual realizes his potentialities and develops himself the qualities of character

3.               Self-integration

It means to integrate ones self in an intelligent way to the world to make ones contribution to life. Some integrate themselves through religion and some through social science.

There is no doubt that the individual has a unique mind, sometimes his actions are determined by outside forces. He has to learn to adjust with his environment.

The curriculum:

The purpose of curriculum will be to have mastery of information, to develop respect for values and to develop habits of logical thinking and hard work. Subject of study will include

i.                 Courses in natural sciences based on physics, Chemistry and Biology

ii.               Courses in social sciences based on Psychology. Philosophy, Literature, Biography and Religion

iii.             Vocational courses will include learning of skills

Methods of teaching:

1.               Problem solving and experimental methods are emphasized

2.               Importance is given to discussion, activity and audio-visual approach

3.               Motivation and interest will be essential parts of teaching

Idealism

Idealism

By_________

History and nature:

Idealism is the oldest and most talked about philosophy of education. Its popularity has never decreased right form its origination. This philosophy in the formal form was originated by Plato, in 427-346 B.C.  This philosophy in the beginning was known as ideaism where the focus was on the ideas. Latter it started to be known as idealism but emphasis still is on the nature of ideas rather than on their ideal status. Plato was supported latter by Ddescarte, Hegal, Spinoza and Karl Marx. According to these philosophers the basic reality of life is based on ideas, minds and thoughts. Ideas formulate the fundamental bases of the ladder of the priorities of life.

Matter

Life

Mind

Idea

       

Mind, life and matter are the next important steps of this ladder. Everything begins when the ideas are conceived. The central principle of idealism is that of organic wholeness where a kind of inner-harmony exist between the man, world and the universe.

                                                                         Man

                  

                                                                        Universe

                                                                        Planet

                                                                        Earth

Idealists asserts that mind is prior to matter. Matter can not be observed appreciated and utilized if it is not noticed by mind in the form of idea and thoughts.

Objectives of education

The objectives put forward by Plato are still accepted in this modern era as the fundamental aims of education. The following are the key objectives of education according to idealism:

1.               Intellectual development

Development of the mind and thinking faculties are advocated the most. Because ideas are considered to be the products of minds and the very basic realities. Education must do its best to develop the abilities of the people. This will promote logical thinking, rational attitudes and analytical activities. Balanced intellectual development gives birth to balance and successful personalities.

2.               Self- realization

This refers to acquisition of knowledge about our selves and exploration of this knowledge for the sake of understanding. This is considered to be the highest aim of education. Teachers and adults should enable the students to identify their strengths and weaknesses right form their early age. They should also be talked to maximize the positive aspects of the personalities and to minimize the negative elements. This will promote growth of balanced personalities. Such activities should be organized which will help the individuals to develop and improve physical, intellectual, morally and spiritually. This development will enable them to seek and support truth to avoid evil, to tolerate hardships and to live and let others live peacefully.

3.               Values inculcation

Values are the most sophisticated products of the mind. Inculcation of good values is another key objective of this philosophy of education. According to idealists basic values that need to be developed through education are intellectual, moral and spiritual. Horn. H.H a famous idealist has arranged values of education in the following order

i.                 Health

Both physical and mental health should be developed throughout our lives.

ii.               Worship

This brings humbleness and gratitude and brings us closer to the creator.

iii.             Character

Development of high character is not only beneficial for the individuals but promotes peace and justice in the society also.

iv.             Beauty

Promotion, appreciation, development and creation of beauty in nature and in our personal and public life makes this world worth living.

4.               Skills development

These are very important for the self-sufficiency, economic development and overall progress of the individual and societies. Individuals rich with skills never face economic or social problems.

Research Proposal Functions and its Elements

Research Proposal, its Functions and its Elements

By Saeeda Ina

A: What is Research Proposal?

The research proposal is a blue print of the proposed project. It can be compared with the blue print of a building, which is prepared by an architect before the bids are let and the construction is started. It is also called the outline or the synopsis of the study.

The research proposal is a plan of action and a strategy to be carried out according to the objectives of the study. It is the plan or the strategy, which counts more than it could, carried out in mechanical fashion.

The preparation of a research proposal is an important step in the research process. All research institutions require that a proposal must be prepared and submitted for approval before work is started on the project. Improving procedures in a research activity are important, but it is not sufficient if they are not carefully planned and systematically carried out. A worthwhile research project is likely to result only form a well-designed proposal. The initial draft proposal is subjects to modifications in the light of analysis by the student himself and his project adviser, and other members of the advisory committee.

B:      Functions of the Research Proposal

As can be derived form its concept, the research proposal may serve the following functions:

1.               It provides guidelines to the researcher for adopting the systematic approach towards the solution of the problems.

2.               It provides a basis for the evaluation of the proposal by researcher’s. it makes aware the researcher of the problems and difficulties he/she will have face in his study

3.               It restores confidence in researcher about the feasibility and worth of his investigations.

4.               It stimulates the researcher and moves him to the goal of completing his project

5.               It also enables the adviser to assess the progress of work of his advisee at regular intervals   

C:      What is not a good proposal

What is a good proposal or what is not a good proposal is an important question to be looked into by the research student and his adviser. It is in the interest of the research student to understand the characteristics of a good proposal and to avoid certain unsuitable subject for inquiry. It is not easy for a research student to find a problem suitable for research if he/she has not developed a clear concept of the system or a thorough understanding of the area he has specialized in his programme and intends to undertake a related problem. The soundness of a project depends more on the nature of the problem. As a general rule, if a problem is formulated any of the following terms, it would be unsuitable for research, and therefore, so framed, would not provide clear guidelines and direction to the researcher.  

a.                If the problem is too broad and complex to be handled in one inquiry

b.               If the problem is too subjective and is based on personal opinion or whims of the researcher or of others which cannot be supported by facts

c.                If the problem is of highly controversial because of the nature of the material one’s own pre-conception

d.               If the problem is too familiar and does not lead to some unknown domain of knowledge

e.                If the problem is too technical and of complex nature for which the researcher has no theoretical background

Major elements of the proposal  

It is, now, interrelated to discuss briefly the important parts of the research proposal. This discussion is confined to the place and the adviser of a research student can perceive role of each element as.

1.              Problem of the Study

One of the most difficult problems for a research student is the selection of a suitable problem. How it can be identified? What are its resources? What are suitable problem areas from which a problem could be picked up? The answers of such questions are not in the purview of this paper. The advisor’s main concern is to look into the suitability and feasibility of the problem selected by him/her for inquiry. In proposal, the adviser has to see that the problem selected for investigation by the researcher is:

a.                Significant in view of the educational theory an practice,

b.               Appropriate to the effectively solved through the process of research,

c.                Feasible to the carried through a successful conclusion

d.               Opens doors for future investigation

e.                Possess practical value to the evolutionists, students, parents and community

f.                 Enjoys the characteristics of originality and novelty

g.                Enjoys the characteristics of interest and desire of the researcher

2.       Statement of the problem

The selection of the problem ultimately leads to the analysis of the problem. After singling out relevant facts, explanation, causing the difficulty and tracing their relationship, the researcher then state them in to a formal descriptive statement. The quality of such statement is that it gives a unified picture of the problem in all its dimensions.

The basic issue is to be considered in the proposal is that how far the statement of the problem has been thoroughly viewed through a logical, theoretical or conceptual frame work and passed through the process of selection and execution and finally reduced to manageable size.  Other attributes expected of a good problem statements are that;

a.                It has been expressed in simple terms

b.               It has been expressed in clear and unambiguous terms

c.                It relates to general incedents

d.               It justifies its significance

e.                It indicates possibilities of empirical testing

3.    Objectives of the study

When a problem for a research purpose is selected and its conceptual framework is determined for sharpening its focus, the third essential step is to state its objectives. The problem of the study and the objectives of the study are not the same. If a problem signifies the relationship of variables, the objectives are how to eliminate such factors in future. Thus the objectives are the product, which are perceived by the student to be accomplished through his study. While checking the research proposal, the advisor has to see that objectives so framed, for investigations are,

a.                Not free- floating

b.               Realistic enough to be realized

c.                Significant in the sense that they add to new knowledge already known

d.               Evolved from the conceptual frame

e.                Contributing to the social utility

f.                 Contributing to the enhancement of scientific interest

4.    Hypothesis/questions

 Statement of the hypotheses or questions is the fourth essential element of the study and of the proposal. After the problem is identified, statement is sharpened and objectives narrow down to the ultimate end, hypotheses are formulated in two step process

a.                Selecting key question to be persuaded

b.               Operationalizing the definitions that will be employed for the major variables in the study 

In research the term hypothesis implies deviation within a hypothetical-deductive theoretical system of a particular assertion or prediction. In simple words hypotheses are tentative answers to the questions. They are shrewd educated guesses. They are subjected to test for confirmation or dis-conformation on empirical grounds. They are usually stated in positive or literary from; however, the statistical hypotheses are stated in negative or null form.

Hypotheses are to be developed when the degree of sophistication of conceptual framework is high approximating that of a hypothetical- deductive theory, while questions are more appropriate when the degree of sophistication is low and rigorous deduction are either not required or possible.

The guide of a research student is interested to see that he has formulated major hypotheses and several other minor hypotheses in his proposal. They are expected to establish clearly the nature of the problem and the logic underlying it. Hypotheses so formulated or questions so framed are expected to possess some other characteristics such as:

a.                They are reasonable

b.               They are consistent with objectives

c.                They are stated in simple possible terms

d.               They can tested and found accepted or rejected

e.                They are verifiable

f.                 They have been inferred from the theory or conceptual framework in straightforward deductive manner.

g.                They are limited in scope

h.                They are consistent with known facts

i.                 They posses the validating quality

5.    Review of the related literature

As mentioned earlier, in a theoretical framework clarification and isolation are important decisions to be logically taken by the researcher, but these decisions depend upon the insight imagination and rationality of the researcher. If the researcher is unable to develop such understanding, this conceptual framework on which the entire research rests, will remain vague and confused. This is one of the reasons that the study of the related literature is emphasized. It helps the researcher to realize how many facts of the problem exist and what other logical framework has been applied to solve the same problem earlier.

A researcher which is not based on the review of the related literature, may remain in isolated study, having, at least, only accidental relevance to what has gone before. Synthesis of major studies helps the researcher to outline the problem area and suggests answers for further research.

While studying the related literature a researcher may come to know what has been done? And what is still to be done? It helps him/her to eliminate the repetition or duplication of what has already been investigated. It also provides useful hypotheses.

In the proposal, the researcher is required to chalk out a plan of what is most important to be reviewed.

Such review should include:

a.                Reported problem or closely related problems

b.               Research designs of various nature

c.                Designs of studies used, including procedures, instruments etc.

d.               Population have been studied

e.                Variables that could have affected the findings

f.                 Weaknesses that were apparent in the previous studies

g.                Suggestions for further studies provided in the research reports

h.                Policy statements of the Government related to the area of the study

i.                 Special reports prepared by national or international agencies on the subject

6.    Research Procedure/design

This part of the proposal outlines the entire research plan to be carried out. It mainly describes

a.                What must be done?

b.               How it will be done?

c.                What data will be needed?

d.               What data-collecting device will be used?

e.                How sources of data will be located?

f.                 How data will be organized?

g.                How data will be analyzed and conclusions drawn?

7.    Time Schedule

The time schedule will be the last element of the proposal. It indicated perhaps of the project activities. It should be prepared in advance so that the researcher could budget his time and energy effectively. Dividing the project into phases and assigning each phase deadline for its completion helps to synthesis and regularize the research work and minimizing the natural tendency to procrastinate. In view of the critical time limitation, time scheduling is not only essential but also it would stimulate the researcher towards the completion of his work well in time

REFERENCES

1.         Best, W.John                                       Research in Education

                                                                        Prenticc Hall INC 1970 New Yark

                                                                        (PP-26-29,)

2.         Hassan                                                 Development of Research Proposal

Allam Iqbal Open University Islamabad,1982(pp.1-100, 18-22, 24-27

3.         Zaki. W.M                                           Educational Research

                                                                        Manza-printing corporation Islamabad 1984

                                                                        (pp. 7-9, 35-71)

                                                                       

Concept of Education of Imam Ghazali

by Sultan

The great educator of Islam, imam Ghazali was born in a time, when doubts were raised from various sides about Islam.

Imam Ghazali was born in 1059 AD near Tus in Khurasan, a part of the then Persia. These were the times, when Muslims were dominating Europe, Asia and Africa, due to the effect of new culture of these countries they were deviating from the true teachings of Islam. Imam Ghazali came to the rescue them. We can say that, in one way he was responsible for the revival of Islam. He is also known as Hujjatul Islam.

Imam Ghazali mentions in his book Al-munqudeen –al- dalal, that he spent 38 years in the search of truth from place to place and studied different schools of thoughts of that time.

Because of his knowledge and study, he was offered the post of head of Nizamia School in Baghdad. This school was the center of attraction for scholars all over the world. But due to his curiosity and quest for knowledge, he resigned from this post after four years. He became the critic of that time Islam and he saw no difference between Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Imam Ghazali ’s skepticism continues from another ten years, in which he wondered in many palaces including, Makkah, Yathrab and Syria. He also performed several pilgrimages to Makkah and once took an oath, while standing beside the stone of Abraham (Maqam-e-Ibrahim) in the Khana Kaaba. He swear that;

I will not go to the court of any king
I will not get any money from rulers
I will not indulge in any type of discussion with scholars.

Imam Ghazali died in 1111 Ad. He has written number of books including the  “Revival of Islamic knowledge” (Ahya-e-uloom Islam) and “Incoherence of philosophy “ (Tahafat-ul-filasafa)

He provided rational basis for the Islamic beliefs and integrated Sufism and individual beliefs, to give a holistic picture of Islam in helping to reunite Muslims of the world. People criticize him for the lack of use of reason in Islam.

As an educator, he is the greatest and most influential educators of Islam and has great influence on the modern educational thoughts.

His educational philosophy based on his personal experience. the philosophy, which he formulated over a period of 10 years, resembles to the Philosophy of Plato. He used his personal experience and concluded the reasons, which he calls sixth sense, which can lead us to truth. Divine revelation (Ilham) is superior to reason but is endowed to only selected individuals called prophets (paighamber). The reason given to human beings also has limitations and can not acquire the absolute truth. Hence, it is obligatory for all human beings to obey the commandments send to us through [prophets from time to time.

It is very much clear that the educational ideas of Ghazali are deeply affected by his religious philosophy and research. He thinks that human mind is like a clean slate and the teacher can transform it with the passage of time. Plato and Aristotle also held similar views.

The importance of Knowledge:

According to Ghazali, knowledge can bring us closer to God as well as enhance worldly respect and position. Knowledge, according to him is not relative but has an entity in itself. It can raise the status of the individual, create self respect and take him to the highest position.

According to Ghazali, there are four categories of Knowledge;

Prophetic
Rulers
Philosophers/scholars
Preachers

1.    Prophetic:
Prophets convey the message of God regardless of any discrimination and help to purify the inner self.

Ruler:
They use their authority, legislation and rules to train and guide the society.

Philosophers/scholars
Their knowledge benefits only selected individuals but for benefiting masses.

Preachers;
They are meant to fulfill the religious needs of the society and train outer and inner self. Their job is to promote knowledge, improve the life of people, and help them to acquire desirable ethics through education.

Ghazali divides knowledge into two types; eg

Useful or desirable knowledge
Useless or undesirable knowledge

1.  Useful knowledge:
     It is further divided into two

Farz-i-Ain:     (Compulsory)
This knowledge is obligatory for all and contains the knowledge of Islam

Farz-i-Kafaya:  (Optional)
This knowledge is optional and depends on the will of the individual. It is further divided into two;

Worldly knowledge
Religious knowledge

2.   Useless Knowledge:
Although no knowledge is useless, it is not desirable if it can create an undesirable effect such as

If it harms somebody like magic etc
If the chance factor is involved like astrology etc
If it leads to thinking about God. Ghazali says that these matters should be left only to prophets and saints.

Aims of Education:
Ghazali based his aims of education on Islamic ideology. According to him, the major aim of education is that it is useful. The knowledge gained as a result of education should be useful both for individual and the society. It means that the aim of education is character building of individual so that it could differentiate between good and evil and avoids following the evil path.

Johnn Herbart proposed the same ideas about 700 year after the demise of Ghazali.

Psychological concepts of Ghazali:
Ghazali raises the basic question whether the human instinct is based on good or evil. He has presented his ideas in the light of Quran and Hadith. According to him good or evil are not physical and is not instinctual. Humans can be transformed by education and training. Rousseau expressed similar idea in 18th century.

Ghazali seems impressed by the Greek philosophers. According to Aristotle there are two types of creations in the world. i.e.

Perfect creation: These are perfected like moon , sun etc
Imperfect creations like seed of tree, which is imperfect in the sense that it has the ability to become a tree.

According to Ghazali, human beings are imperfect creatures and are similar to the seed. They have the ability and capacity to become perfect, only the suitable conditions are required. According to him, good character means good deeds.

Ghazali has given the following four ways in which deficiencies can be identified and removed.

Perfect teacher
Such teachers that have spiritual insight and knowledge and has the ability to analyze deficiencies of others

Close fiends:
We can identify our deficiencies with the help of our close friends

Foes:
We can know more about our deficiencies from our foes.

Self analysis:
Ghazali also stresses on self-analysis from time to time.


Curriculum:
Ghazali strongly criticizes the curriculum of his time. He raises the basic question of criteria for selection of subject matter for curriculum. He studied the various curriculum's in his times and reached the following conclusions:

More time is spent on religious education and worldly education is completely ignores
Worldly education is equally important
While teaching religious education , a great number of differences arise among the teachers, which result in mud slinging on each other
There is no. Prioritization and it is only left to the interest and opinions of the teachers to concentrate on certain subjects, while ignore others.

No place for character building in curriculum

Ghazali recommended that curriculum should be composed of obligatory (    ) And optional (               ) knowledge. It should be a combination of religion and worldly education.

Ghazali included industrial education, textile, agriculture, tailoring and hair cutting in the curriculum

This indicates that Ghazali ’s educational ideas are progressive.

Ghazali also stresses the acquisition of philosophy and logic

Methods of Teaching and Techniques:

Ghazali has recommended the following teaching methods and techniques, which are based on psychological principles. These methods and techniques are widely used and educators all over the world agrees with their usefulness.

Teaching  lessons to be based on previous knowledge and experience of the students.

This helps to know the ability, knowledge and aptitude of the learner and helps to motivate students towards the lesson which is very important for the educational process. Johnn Herbart and Pestollozi recommended the same principle about 700 year after Ghazali

Simplifying the lesson:
Teachers should simplify the difficult concepts by stories, tales etc other wise his teaching will not be effective

Move from simple to complex.
This is a very important principle. Some teachers try to teach everything in the very start. This is very dangerous and can create very dull students.

Ghazali stresses that teachers should first teach simpler concepts and when the students are motivated towards lesson, then he can introduce complex concepts.

Western educators have also mentioned this principle.

Proper planning
Ghazali stresses the importance of planning and advises that teachers should do his preparation before teaching , for effective teaching.

affection:
The teachers should avoid the use of force . He should be like a father to his students and should use love and affection instead of corporal punishment. Use of force can lead to bad habits among students

Teacher and students should also have good social relationship

avoid double standards:
Teacher is like a guide to students. He should not be a hypocrite and should breed good qualities like, honesty, good etiquette, good moral character etc

abilities of students:
Ghazali stresses that while teaching the abilities of students should be kept in mind. Concepts, which are above the mental level of the students will not make the teaching effective.

Female education:
Ghazali ’s ideas about female education are different from modern day. He is only in favor of elementary education for women so that they could play their due role in society. He is not in favor of higher education for females. Rousseau has similar ideas.

Ghazali also stresses acquisition of home-related knowledge for women.

Physical education:
Ghazali has greatly stressed the physical education for children. He believes in old Greek axiom “ sound mind in sound body”

He suggests proper clothing for children so that they could develop and grow properly. He suggests avoid tight and fit clothing.

He also stresses the importance of good and simple, diet for good physical growth.

In short we can say that the contribution of Ghazali to education, what he said later reflected by western educators. That was actually originated in the times of Ghazali.