Narissa F. Cueva

Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer

(1820-1903) was known as one of the leading Social Darwinists of the 19th century

was an English philosopher and prolific writer

Coined the phrase "survival of the fittest"

Spencer was an agnostic who believed that the only way to gain knowledge was through a scientific approach.

“Synthetic Philosophy”

The Educational Theory of Herbert Spencer

1. Theory of Value:

development of independent thought;

importance of presenting the "natural history of society"

survival of the fittest;

learning as an individual effort;

1.Theory of Value:

education should be directed to self-preservation, care of offspring, preparing adults to enjoy nature, literature, fine arts, prepare to be good citizens;

knowledge of science worth more than any other knowledge;

train the memory, cultivate judgment, impart an admirable moral and religious discipline;

advocacy of instruction in public and private hygiene

2. Theory of Knowledge:

knowledge as the scientific study of education, psychology, sociology, and ethics from an evolutionary point of view;

two fundamental beliefs - importance of science, sanctity of political and economic laissez-faire;

philosophy is knowledge of highest generality;

man can only know from experiences; all thought founded on relations - humans think in terms of differences and likenesses

3. Theory of Human Nature:

notion of intelligence as mental capacity;

"If they are sufficiently complete to live, they do live, and it is well they should live. If they are not sufficiently complete to live, they die, and it is best they should die."

a stage of evolution

4. Theory of Learning:

learning as an individual effort;

learning as synthesis of all thought;

learning should be collaborative;

good training of the senses to observe accurately;

"rational explanation of phenomena"

5.Theory of Transmission:

science as the most important subject matter;

curriculum to be a synthesis of thought based on science (especially evolution), and including philosophies of education, biology, psychology, sociology, ethics, and politics

individual to teach self, aided by teachers, books, observation, laboratory work

6.Theory of Society:

progress of all kinds should be maximized by societies and governments that allow free competition to reign in all spheres of activity;

unregulated free enterprise; survival of the fittest

7.Theory of Opportunity:

All young people should be taught; education open to competent children or adults without fee;

survival of the fittest

8.Theory of Consensus:

No beliefs are wholly false; they are true to the point to which they all agree; eliminate the discordant elements and observe what remains after; this is truth and should take precedence

Important Matters:

Knowledge that is best for use in life is also best for the development of power

Emphasis on physical education

Importance of science in the curriculum

Reported By:

Narissa F. Cueva