ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
1
Aristotle’s Influence on Educational Theory
Angela Piergentili
School of Education, Liberty University
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
2
Abstract
Aristotle was an exceptional thinker for his time, influenced by many other influential
philosophers, many people did not view him as an educator. However, over 2500 years ago, he
managed to bring information about the role of education on society, the value of truth in human
decision, and how education should support the whole citizen. This article will explain
Aristotle’s perceptions of truth, how this is still applied to modern educational theories, and
compare these to other influential thinkers.
Keywords: falsehood, practical knowledge, education
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
3
Aristotle’s Influence on Educational Theory
According to UGA (2023), Aristotle believed the fulfilled person was an educated
person. This belief is still an essential educational theory today; he believed that education
should supply individuals with the skills necessary to be active participants in democratic life.
He approached knowledge with a metaphysical lens, evaluating the concepts of truth and falsity
on society; he believed human reasoning was an important influence on societal truths as non-
isolationary thinking fueled educational thinking. Education, as Aristotle believed, was not
something secluded to the classroom, but essential for individuals to have a deep understanding
of the world. When examining Aristotle’s influence on educational theory, it is essential to
understand his definition of truth, his learning structures, and his emphasis on practical
knowledge and character development.
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
4
Background and Cultural Context
Alive from 384 B.C.E to 322 B.C.E Aristotle became a figure in Greek philosophy with
his contributions to logic, biology, psychology, criticism, rhetoric, physics, biology, psychology,
mathematics, metaphysics, ethics, and politics (Encyclopedia of Philosophy, n.d.). For twenty
years, he studied under Plato, rejecting his theory of forms, as he was more empirically minded.
Aristotle is considered to be the father of western logic due to being the first to develop a formal
system for reasoning.Aristotle emphasized good reasoning, building the foundation for many of
his other writings. It was with this mentality that he was able to look at the weakening of Athens’
democratic age and see the importance of education. He believed that education directs people to
virtue, while creating basic conditions for the establishment and stabilization of morality (Dung,
2016). This was an important philosophy during a time when people of Greece were being lost to
spiritual life and self-indulgence.
Aristotle considered education a condition to achieve idealization and benefits for all
citizens; if the citizens of Greece could be educated as a whole, not just academically, they could
serve their purpose in a democratic society. For this, Aristotle is considered one of the great
philosophers of Greece; someone who fully embodies the essence of Greek history (Dung,
2016).
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
5
Philosophy of Education
Living during a time of democratic weakening in Athens, Aristotle focused his studies on
the concept that education could create a stronger society; believing that through education, one
could solve society's meditations and concerns. Aristotle lived with an effort to overcome the
current order, leading to Athens' collapse, by supporting an education system that teaches the
citizen as a whole, a member of society. Aristotle’s most well known educational thoughts are
written in his book Politics.
In most of Aristotle’s writings, he focuses on this concept that education and the training
of future citizens go hand in hand. Most specifically, he divides these citizens into two groups:
those to be educated as authority, and all citizens to be trained to suit the government model in
which they are living (Dung, 2016). He did not emphasize the importance of curriculum and
classroom subjects, but rather character development and practical knowledge.
“...For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and
justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is
equipped at birth with arms, meant to be used by intelligence and virtue, which he may
use for the worst ends…” (Aristotle, 1999, p.6)
To understand the importance of this educational emphasis, it is necessary to also
understand Aristotle’s clarification of virtue and truth in a society. In Aristotle on Truth, Crivelli
(2005), explains Aristotle’s truth as not simply stating facts, but a moral state that guides
citizen’s thoughts and actions. He believed that education and practical wisdom derived from an
intrinsic motivation to arrive at a state of truth.
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
6
This concept of truth fuels his educational theories in the sense that education was
believed by Aristotle to be the foundation for a thriving society; therefore the citizens to be
educated had to arrive at this establishment of truth and virtue to obtain the lessons of an
educated citizen. Aristotle argued that the basis for a performing political power was educated
humans with a sense of responsibility to citizenship.
Aristotle studied under Plato and Socrates, and adopted some of their philosophical
theories, while adjusting them to contain his educational theories as well. Like Plato, Aristotle
considered education as a means to equip humans with a track to advantages in society.
However, Plato focused on educating leaders while Aristotle thrived to educate the society as a
whole. He believed that although leaders needed necessary training, the population of that
society also required education to live and act legally (Dung, 2006).
Aristotle believed the purpose of education was to create excellent citizens to create an
ideal state; similar to that of progressivism, his philosophy followed the structure that
education’s requirement was to teach the individual as a whole, not focused on specific
classroom subjects. Through his metaphysical and political motivations, he set the idea of
comprehensive education, similar to that of progressivism, into motion.
Aristotle’s curriculum included four programs: reading, writing, physical education,
music and drawing. His viewpoint of classroom subjects was to educate individuals in skills they
could continue to practice and turn into habits. “By means of education, people who are perfect,
charming and generous are produced, which is regarded as the most adequate condition for the
achievement of an ideal State (Aristotle, 1999, p.16).
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
7
Aristotle’s educational theory was designed to reach children from birth into adulthood,
to prepare them from the very beginning to be functioning and contributing members of society.
He believed that children should be taught useful and necessary things, with an emphasis on
physicality and morality (Lines, 2002). “...for the neglect of education does harm to the
constitution” (Aristotle, 1999 p.180). To him, education was the foundational element of a
functioning society.
Aristotle’s belief of education as a governmental and societal system follows the
philosophical concept of idealism, as he believed in a metaphysical approach to truth, virtue, and
education. Idealism, as defined by the Stanford Encyclopedia (2023), as something mental or
exhaustive of reality, has also been called metaphysical, with no physical objects existing apart
from some experience (Ewing 1934:3).
The real world is the sensible world that can be perceived by sense and experience
(Soccio, 2007, 171-172). Aristotle believed that education and reality can be reduced to ideas or
mentalities, as the author of Metaphysics, it aligns that Aristotle believed in beyond just the
physical. Metaphysics in itself is the study of being or reality, or the ultimate causes of reality
(Rowan 1961), following the belief that Aristotle concerned himself with how individuals cause
the structure of their society based on their education.
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
8
Aristotle’s philosophy of education, one that is still used in modern day educational
systems, focused on the character development of those educated, as well as the obtainment of
practical knowledge. By following this idealist view of educational theory, he explained the
metaphysical approach to this education, and how looking past the physical can explain an
individual's purpose in their society through practical educational practices.
Through his perception of truth, Aristotle is able to theorize educational concepts in a
political lense. He built his educational theory on the belief that the learner is driving society out
of crises, either through a leadership role, or an educated observer. His beliefs towards education
put aim at a large scale; education was intended, and still is, to be inclusive: when a citizen has
enough competence and morality, they will be a successful member of their society (Bollingen
Series).
Theory to Practice
With Aristotle’s approach to education being one that educates the whole individual for
societal purposes, his theories are ones that interfere with almost all fields of study. His
philosophical beliefs argue that everything learned starts with perception (IEP, 2023); this idea
argues that an individual’s lack in perception means a correlated lack in knowledge. “To say of
what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, and of
what is not that it is not, is true” (Aristotle, Logic Museum, 2023).
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
9
Aristotle believed that education should be purposeful and should aim at fulfilling the
inherent potential of individuals (Philnotes, 2023). He argued that the purpose of education was
to educate the individual based on their virtues; by educating individuals as members of society,
they can contribute to their community. This view of education, fueled many future educational
theories, leading to much of the modern teaching that exists today.
Knowledge was believed by Aristotle to be that of experience; “knowledge begins with
knowledge, through acquired perception (Hauser, 2019). His epistemological beliefs followed
the ideas that as education focused on perceptual episodes, this would lead to retained memory,
and this accumulation is what would lead to an individual’s knowledge. Educating individuals to
experience does not lead to the why of the facts, but this prior knowledge through experience can
help an individual achieve the why of their knowledge.
This conceptualization of knowledge through experience led to Aristotle’s contribution to
the division of schooling: primary, secondary, and higher education. He recognized the
importance of early childhood, and initiated the primary schooling of ages 7-14, and this
schooling would consist of gymnastics, writing, reading, music, and drawing (Roots of
Educational Theory, n.d.). This also meant that ages 14-21 would continue these studies, while
after the age of 21 their education would focus on military drill, tactics, and strategy.
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
10
Although the distinction between primary, secondary, and higher education is not through
these age groupings, Aristotle can be credited to the conception of age differentiation in
education. He believed that although individuals should be educated to contribute to their
society, this meant development of children would vary, and their education then should also
vary. Still used today, Aristotle’s implementation of education, similar to progressivism, aimed
to teach children as a whole, and therefore is a structure still strongly used in modern schools.
Perspectives on Diversity
As Aristotle explained the importance of educating individuals for the better good of
society, he acknowledged that this common good could not be achieved if there was no diversity
in citizens. It’s believed that the diversity of citizens gives more credit to Aristotle’s theories as
all citizens cannot be of similar character, especially in the respect of virtue (Politics, 1277a1). If
all citizens were identical, there would be no point of comparison in the educational system’s
effectiveness.
This would also mean there would be no differentiation in their personal interests for the
common good of their community. Aristotle understood that the common good is only
maintained if there is diversity of citizens and a plurality of institutions (Trepanier, 2019).
Aristotle’s educational theories only maintain validity if there is diversity in the learners.
Critical Analysis
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
11
Aristotle’s theories were so widely accepted, that many assumed he was correct, and
those that argued against his beliefs were severely punished. Although Aristotle had significant
concepts that improved many societal educational forms, those that opposed him argued against
his moral theories. Aristotle believed that the way to judge the quality of something was to
determine how well it had done its job.
This followed closely with his educational theories, as he generalized the principle of
human beings and their intrinsic motivation to do well. He believed that education was
successful if the human being carried out their function in society correctly, however, this
concept is the most criticized when observing the relationship between an individual’s moral
substance and the actions of that individual (Britannica, 2023). Between Plato and Aristotle,
there is a divide when a direct correlation is made for opinion and rational truth, Aristotle’s
theories can also be recognized as strong contributions to education.
When observed as educational theory rather than philosophical, focusing on the
importance of morally acceptable societal choices, Aristotle’s beliefs can be deemed as
respectable and important in the field of education. Viewing Aristotle against Plato is limited and
determines only a selective view in moral standards versus education. When understanding
Aristotle, it can be understood that his theories cover a wide range of philosophical and
educational beliefs.
Implications and Conclusions
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
12
Aristotle is recognized as being a leader in his field, as many of his concepts are still
accepted in education throughout the thousands of years he has been gone. His educational
philosophy focused on the learner as a contributing member of society, therefore the curriculum
should focus on character development, the search for virtue and understanding of one’s truth,
and acquiring practical knowledge.
Current educators can take away quite a bit from Aristotle’s views on education, as
teachers should focus on the learner as a whole, not just a brain soaking in the curriculum. If
students are to be successful in the classroom, there has to be intrinsic motivation to consume the
knowledge given to them. Aristotle pioneered the field of logic and relationships between
subjects; it’s through these relationships that students truly learn how to be contributing members
to their classroom community and political community.
As an educator myself, I see Aristotle’s theories throughout my learning as an educator,
and my implementation in the classroom. His political views on educational theory fuel the
learning in most classrooms; as teachers motivate students to obtain the curriculum, they are also
focusing their lessons as practical knowledge for future years. This idea that Aristotle focused
the most strongly on, is something as an educator that I attempt to instill in my students. It is the
hope that they are not only learning the subjects in the classroom, but also practical information
to make them better people.
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
13
References
Admin, & Admin. (2023, July 5). Aristotle’s Philosophy of Education - PHILO-Notes.
PHILO-notes - Free Online Learning Materials.
https://philonotes.com/2023/03/aristotles-philosophy-of-education#:~:text=He
%20believed%20that%20education%20should%20be%20purposeful%20and%20should
%20aim,flourishing%20of%20individuals%20and%20society.
Aristotle and Education (2023). Philosophy. https://www.phil.uga.edu/news/stories/2023/
Aristotle | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). https://iep.utm.edu/aristotle/
Aristotle, The Complete Works of Aristotle: The Revised Oxford Translation, Vol. 2
(Bollingen Series LXXI-2) by Aristotle.
Aristotle (1999). The Politics. Translated in to English by Benjamin Jowett, Batoche Books,
Kitchener.
Aristotle. (n.d.). The Roots of Educational Theory.
https://educationalroots.weebly.com/aristotle.html#:~:text=Like%20Plato%2C
%20Aristotle%20recognized%20the,reading%2C%20music%2C%20and%20drawing.
Crivelli, P. (2004). Aristotle on truth.
https://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/23289/copyright/9780521823289_copyright.pdf
ARISTOTLE’S INFLUENCE ON EDUCATIONAL THEORY
14
Duignan, B. (n.d.). Plato and Aristotle: how do they differ? Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://britannica.com/story/plato-and-aristotle-how-do-they-differ#:~:text=Aristotle
%20rejected%20Plato's%20theory%20of,the%20form%20of%20some%20thing.
Dung, V. V., Trang, D. T. T., & Vy, B. T. K. (2014). Aristotle’s Educational Ideas.
European Journal of Educational Studies, 2(9).
Ewing, Alfred Cyril, 1934, Idealism: a Critical Survey, London: Methuen.
Hauser, C. (2019). Aristotle’s Explanationist Epistemology of Essence. Metaphysics,
2(1), 26–39. https://doi.org/10.5334/met.24
Idealism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). (2021, February 5).
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/idealism/#Bib
Lines, D. A. (2002). Aristotle’s Ethics in the Italian Renaissance (Ca. 1300-1650): The
universities and the problem of moral education. https://brill.com/aristotles-ethics-italian-
renaissance-ca-1300-1650
Trepanier, L. (2019, August 24). Aristotelian Pluralism and Diversity: the conditions for
civic education and the common Good. VoegelinView.
https://voegelinview.com/aristotelian-pluralism-and-diversity-the-conditions-for-civic-
education-and-the-common-good/#:~:text=Nor%20would%20they%20be%20able,and
%20a%20plurality%20of%20institutions.
