The word “perennial,” which means “everlasting,” is the source of the term “perennialism,” an educational philosophy that relies on timeless thought and world-wide truths. Humans should be aware of certain basic facts, truths, and rules, according to this educational view, independent of their cultural or historical view. These ideas stay important and relevant now, just as they did centuries ago. The educational philosophy of perennialism is focused on unchanged principles and universal verities.
To put it another way, it suggests that the main focus of education be on ideas that have been supported for centuries, with the assumption that these opinions are just as applicable and powerful today as they were when they were first formulated. Through action knowledge and its significance, this educational philosophy desires to prepare students for life by bringing up their moral and intellectual development. This, in turn, helps students become more skilled critical thinkers as they pursue their own rights, human independence, and responsibilities through nature.
Introduction to Perennialism Educational Philosophy:
This philosophy presents a unique perspective on curriculum design and instructional techniques. It champions the inherent value of knowledge. According to this philosophy, students are guided to grapple with ageless philosophical and ethical questions, moving away from merely acquiring contemporary job skills or addressing current societal dilemmas. This approach endows students with robust critical thinking capabilities, a shared sense of human connection, and a deep veneration for the intellectual traditions that have shaped our civilization.
Fundamental Tenets of Perennialism Educational Philosophy:
i. The Universal Nature of Education:
Anchored in this philosophy is the belief that education should be consistent and universal, reflecting the unvarying nature of humanity. Robert Maynard Hutchins emphasizes that while an individual’s societal roles might differ, fundamental human attributes persist. Across various epochs and cultures, where educational structures exist, their overarching goal, as outlined by the perennialism educational philosophy, is to elevate the human experience. This philosophy firmly contends that knowledge is an unchanging truth, consistent across time and place. This unwavering knowledge, encapsulated in historical classics, novels, and epics, forms the foundation of the perennialism educational philosophy. In essence, every individual should receive a consistent educational experience throughout their life.
ii. Rationality: A Defining Human Trait:
A standout characteristic of humans, setting them apart from other beings, is their inherent rationality. Aristotle, a luminary in political science, termed this unique cognitive faculty “nous”. Drawing from the perennialism educational philosophy, he emphasized that humans, by virtue of their intellect, emerge as rational entities, with logic being an exceptional and innate attribute exclusive to them.
iii. Awareness of Universal Eternal Truth:
Perennialism and education are closely intertwined when it comes to emphasizing the significance of eternal values. Perennialists assert that certain values are eternally true, unaffected by time or circumstance. These values, being universal and consistent, should form the crux of educational curriculums. Hence, it’s vital for education to introduce students to age-old, global principles, instilling in them enduring ideals such as truth, beauty, and compassion.
iv. Cultural Heritage and its Significance in Perennialism and Education:
Culture encapsulates the collective behaviors of a race, culminating in what we recognize as civilization. Perennialism and education advocate for students to be well-versed in their cultural roots. It is through understanding their rich cultural past that they can contribute effectively to future civilizations.
v. Education as Life’s Preparation:
Perennialism and education underscore that education isn’t merely an imitation of life but acts as a blueprint for future life scenarios. While it’s essential for students to acquaint themselves with their socio-cultural past, the primary goal is to equip them for a vibrant and prosperous future.
vi. Emphasis on Literature and Philosophies in Perennialism and Education:
Central to the philosophy of perennialism and education is the belief that timeless literary works and profound philosophies are reservoirs of knowledge and wisdom. Two invaluable treasures exist in the world: the first is engagement with classic literature, and the second is the association with great minds.
vii. Democracy and its Place in Perennialism and Education:
Perennialism and education emphasize that a thriving democracy is rooted in an educated populace. However, it’s not the sole responsibility of schools to instill democratic values by promoting societal changes in young minds. Perennialists are cautious about assigning schools the task of fostering democratic thoughts in students.
viii. Support for Liberal Education:
Under the perennialism teaching philosophy, there is a noticeable resistance to science education for students. Instead, this philosophy fervently advocates for art and a liberal education, which encapsulates ideals that remain constant throughout time. Hence, they promote the study of enduring masterpieces and literature.
Purposes of Perennialism Education:
The foundational belief of the perennialism teaching philosophy is that virtues remain consistent across human history. Thus, education’s objectives should be universally applicable. The paramount purpose of education, as outlined by this philosophy, is the holistic development of an individual. J. Maritain emphasizes that the core aim of education is to shape or guide the evolving philosophy that defines a person. The perennialism teaching philosophy underscores that education should facilitate individuals in understanding their inherent human character.
While perennialists recognize an ultimate and universally applicable educational goal, they also identify general objectives. The ultimate aspiration is enlightenment, while general objectives encompass intellectual and moral development. With intellectual virtues being innate reasoning abilities and moral virtues including love, peace, and honesty. Drawing from Aristotle, the “perennialism teaching philosophy” posits that the zenith of education is “eudaemonia”, translating to well-being or happiness. The culmination of education, therefore, is the attainment of happiness and the realization of both intellectual and moral virtues.
Perennialist Curriculum Through the Prism of Perennialism Teaching Philosophy:
Proponents of the perennialism teaching philosophy ardently support a liberal or holistic education, as molding a well-rounded individual is one of education’s primary objectives. Essential liberal arts, such as rhetoric, logic, and mathematics, are emphasized alongside the foundational three R’s. The universal nature of these subjects stems from the belief in the consistent nature of humanity, hence the absence of alternatives in the curriculum. While they do advocate for vocational and professional subjects, the perennialism teaching philosophy demands that these subjects maintain intellectual rigor.
Contrary to promoting democratic ideals and change, perennialists believe curriculums should center on intellectual growth. At higher education levels, there’s a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, with a focus on organized knowledge. This philosophy emphasizes exposing students to great classics across literature, philosophy, and science, as these subjects encapsulate human aspirations and achievements over time. The timeless essence of these subjects is at the heart of the perennialist teaching philosophy. Lastly, rather than varied curriculums tailored to individual students, perennialists champion a unified core curriculum underlined by foundational principles.
Teaching Methods in the Context of Educational Perennialism:
Under educational perennialism, teachers at the primary level emphasize foundational educational skill management. The renowned “Great Books” of Western culture serve as instrumental tools for educators to achieve this pedagogical aim.
For students to thrive in a perennialist classroom, it’s crucial they hone critical thinking skills. Mastering the art of questioning is equally vital, enabling them to engage in profound dialogues centered around classical literature.
Discipline and Educational Perennialism:
Educational perennialism aspires for students to cultivate universal, moral, and intellectual values. This philosophy underscores the indispensability of self-discipline, advocating against external imposition. For genuine discipline to manifest, students should immerse themselves in literary, artistic, and political works. Rather than being externally enforced, discipline should sprout organically from within the students, a tenet central to educational perennialism.
Teacher Role under Educational Perennialism:
Educational perennialism positions the teacher as the authoritative beacon in the educational realm. Entrusted with the task of disseminating truth, the teacher dons the roles of seminar leader or coach. Adler (1984) elucidates that the seminar leader’s role is to stimulate thought by posing questions. Effective probing, especially through the Socratic method, is aimed at fostering rational thinking among students.
Students’ Role in Educational Perennialism:
The teachers, through the prism of perennialism, entrust the students with intergrating the “truth.” The students’ own experiences or interests do not affect the curriculum in the perennialist classroom. The notion of diversity is deemed inconsequential, as learning transcends mere variety.