A Study of Herbert Spencer's Educational Ideas

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify Herbert Spencer's educational ideas as the foundation of his ideas of physical education not by analyzing Education but by deducing them from his thought in its entirety. Spencer divided his social philosophy into two parts: social statics and social dynamics. This division accords with the one in Principles of Ethics, i.e. absolute and relative ethics, which is the most important part of his philosophy. In this study we focus on the former which deals with the state of the ideal society, i.e. the necessary laws for achieving happiness as the supreme end in his system of thought.The attainment of happiness is nothing but the establishment of morality as an inner discipline for right conduct. Main characteristics of Spencer's thought are interdependent under this ultimate end. Spencer described the state of ideal society and of its member as social equilibrium and egoistic altruism. Egoistic altruism formed by morality can regulate right conduct for not only individual but social happiness. Hence, complete living set up as the final end in Education is only to be understood in its relation to the establishment of morality. Such characteristics of Spencer's educational theory as the stress on nature and science concern the formation of right conduct leading to happiness.