Discuss and evaluate the role of the educator in Plato's theory of education
Ans. Role of Educator
In Plato's plan of education, the educator is considered to have the greatest importance. He is like the torch bearer who leads a man, lying in 3 dark cave, out of the darkness into the bright light of tie outside world. His task is to bring the educand out of the darkness of the cave into the light of the day. He is thus the guide.
In his methods of teaching Plato believes imitation to be of the greatest importance, for he realizes that the child teams a great deal through imitation. He will acquire the behaviour of the people among whom he is made to live. Hence, keeping in mind the status of the child, he should be made to live among people from whom he can learn good habits and avoid bad ones.
Education According to Classes
Plato's plan of education does not envisage uniform education for one and all. He accepted the concept of social stratification and suggested that since different 'individuals had to perform different tasks in society, they should also be educated differently, in order to train each one in his own respective sphere. He believed that different individuals are made of different metals. Those made of gold should take up administration and government, while those made of silver were best suited for trade and defence. Others made of iron and the baser metals should become labourers and agriculturists. The state must make different arrangements for the education of these different kinds of people, although Plato implicitly agrees that education of governing classes is of the greatest importance. The education of the other classes in society does not concern him very much.
Faced with the problem of determining the class of each individual, Plato suggested various kinds of tests to be conducted at different age levels. In the first place, primary education will be given to all between the ages of seven and twenty, following which a test shall be administered to everyone. Those who failed the test are to be sent to labour in the various occupations and productive trades. The successful candidates will be sent to the armed forces where training will be imparted to them for the next ten years. This will again be followed by a test, the failures will be compelled to remain in the armed forces while the successful ones will be sent to join the government. Then this governing class will be subjected to further education in science. Later-on, one from among the governing class will be elected as the philosopher administrator whose task will be to look after the government and education of the state. This individual will occupy the highest position in the land, his word will be the law of the land. Apart from this supreme individual, all other members of the governing class will continue to receive education throughout their lives, most of this education consisting of teachings in philosophy. It is thus evident that Plato granted the highest place to philosophy in his educational scheme.
EVALUATION
As has been pointed out earlier, Rousseau was correct when he commented that Plato's Republic is the finest text book on education. But it must be admitted that Plato's scheme of education suffers from certain defects and shortcomings, which have been enumerated below;
1. Little education in the productive classes: In any society the labouring or productive class is invariably the largest in size. In Plato's scheme of education, (he class is granted only primary education, which implies that higher education of all kinds is intended only for the soldiers and the governing classes, assuming that the labouring class has no need for such an cducalion. Plato's dictum was that the productive class actually required no more than primary education.
2. Absence of variety: Plato's educational plan pays no attention to the individual differences between one individual and another. He suggested the same kind of education to be given to an entire class of people, according to a uniform curriculum. This will inevitably lead to the creation of only one kind of citizens, thus inevitably leading to deadening monotony and lack of variety, which kills all future progress.
3. Stress on philosophy: Some people get the impression that Plato's insistence on philosophy is exaggerated, and that it could only lead to an increase in the number of contemplative individuals at the expense of more practical members. But it must be remembered that Plato has stressed the importance of both bodily and mental development and in this respect, he has achieved a remarkable harmony of both.
4. Neglect of literary education: Plato's curriculum also neglects training in literature by stressing the importance of training in mathematics.
Inspite of the above defects, Plato's concept of education has influenced educational philosophy in almost all ages. In particular, his influence can be seen in the idealist philosophy of education. And, many of the finest teachers still consider Plato as their only true guide.
