Aristotle’s views on education

Aristotle (384-322 BC) outlined his philosophy of education primarily in his works “Eudemian Ethics” and “Nicomachean Ethics.” His work “Politics” also contains some statements on education, as part of Aristotle’s views on governance and social organisation. The Aristotelian formula for education revolves around the concept of virtue: the purpose of education is to equip students with physical, moral and intellectual habits enabling them to achieve “eudaimonia.” How should we translate the Greek term “Eudaimonia” that appears in Aristotle’s works? Medieval translators had mostly transcribed “eudaimonia” as “happiness.” In later centuries, we can find translations employing the words “human flourishing” and “human thriving.” I prefer the modern translations because “flourishing” and “thriving” are dynamic terms. They convey a more accurate picture of the Aristotelian meaning of happiness. For Aristotle, “eudaimonia” is not a fixed status. It is not a fixed destination at which one arrives, a fixed place where you can stay. I would rather describe “eudaimonia” as a spiritual experience achieved by practising virtue day after day. If the Aristotelian “eudaimonia” is a dynamic process, so is the Aristotelian education. It is not a fixed amount of materials that you need to study, memorise, and regurgitate. Aristotle viewed education as a lifelong process of gathering knowledge to grasp the world better. Why does Aristotle’s educational philosophy revolve around virtue? Because Aristotle considered “eudaimonia” the purpose of life, and virtue as the best method to achieve “eudaimonia.” It’s meaningless to say that Aristotle recommended studying metaphysics, rhetoric and history if one does not grasp the goal of studying. Aristotelian education is not primarily designed to raise obedient children and good citizens. Instead, its goal is to raise self-reliant, happy human beings. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-views-on-education/