Abstract
The aim of this essay is to examine the relevance of I and Thou through the lens of Martins Buber’s philosophy of education. The fundamental problem is that the educational system in the new-states like Nigeria is in need of re-orientation. Owing to this, policy formulators and educational practitioners need to see education in relational terms with regards to its relevance, implementation and its methodology together with the ends which education wishes to serve to as a facilitator of societal development. The method of critical analysis is useful to facilitate the re-orientation exercise. Findings show that Buber’s philosophy of education as embedded in the idea of I and Thou encourages interaction among individuals which are integral to the flourishing of positive relationship between the educational system and the community. Consequently, the paper attempts to unveil how this value position could impact positively on the Nigerian educational system in a bid to avert its decline. Buber’s I-Thou (You) relationship opens avenue for encounter in which people could engage with each other fully through dialogue. The education is based on authentic relations between teachers and learners where knowledge that is not imposed by the teacher is the basis of true pedagogy. In Buber’s idea of “I and Thou (You)”, personal relation should tend beyond individualism and collectivism for the future generations. The knowledge of self should be first and foremost: learners must be taught to explore their two autonomous instincts: the originator and the communion. Buber explains that the goal of the learner is to turn objective knowledge into active knowledge which helps in self actualization in the relational world.
Highlights
Since the inception of social and economic change whereby a human society is transformed from a pre-industrial to an industrial state coupled with the growth of large urban cities, immediately after the end of Second World War, a philosophical theme, not wholly new, that was concerned about existence, human existence, the quality and conditions of the existing human individual started to occupy the front burner of scholarship
The education is based on authentic relations between teachers and learners where knowledge that is not imposed by the teacher is the basis of true pedagogy
We have examined the significance of Buber’s philosophy of education and its relevance in the new-states like Nigeria
Summary
Since the inception of social and economic change whereby a human society is transformed from a pre-industrial to an industrial state coupled with the growth of large urban cities, immediately after the end of Second World War, a philosophical theme, not wholly new, that was concerned about existence, human existence, the quality and conditions of the existing human individual started to occupy the front burner of scholarship. Jaspers in turn with Buber stated that the tendency of the technological age is to transform nations into masses seemingly to participate in development while individuals were being alienated and dehumanized through mass education which made them blind and thoughtless in relation to their own existence.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
