Aristotle – Philosopher, Educator, Scientist & Logician and… rapper?

1. Aristotle – Philosopher, Educator, Scientist &Logician and…rapper? One man’s influence on lifelong learning

2. An introduction to Aristotle and his contributions to the field of adult education

3. Who was Aristotle?

4. Aristotle as teacher and educator (1) • Aristotle was a student of Plato, who in turn was a student of Socrates. He benefited from, contested with, passed down and developed some of the greatest knowledge, research and philosophical dialogues in history. • Aristotle devoted as much time to teaching as to research. Interestingly, he illustrated his lectures with images and declared that ‘it is impossible to think without images.’ • Though the majority of his writings have been lost to the ages, his teachings and lectures are a part of his life’s work that has lived on through the work of scholars and educators for more than 2,300 years. • A tutor of Macedon’s young Alexander (the Great), the questions can be asked, “Without Alexander, what would we know of Aristotle? And without Aristotle, would Alexander have achieved the same legacy? • Established the Lyceum at age 50, which coincides with when he believed the soul reaches maturity and man has achieved enough life experiences to better purse philosophical and intellectual development (2).

5. The goal of education is identical with the goal of man Aristotle’s legacy in lifelong learning is marked by three characteristics: • The study of distinct subject matters • the co-joint activities of ethics and politics • the state’s essential need for public education for its citizens (6) The work of education determines that intellectual virtue is learned through instruction, moral virtue is learned by habit. Freedom is one of the ultimate goals of education. By using the leisure time that comes with freedom to develop life’s full intellectual potential, an educated citizen serves the state and attends to the business of man, which is the pathway to happiness (1). Aristotle presents four arguments for public education: • from constitutional requirements • from the origins of virtue • from a common end to be sought by all citizens of the state • from the inseparability of the individual and the community (6).

6. Aristotle’s stages of continuing education (3)

7. Who makes up a community and who is entitled to intellectual development through public education?

8. Aristotle’s Philosophy on the Nature of Man (5) The philosopher’s contribution to metaphysics (reality of spirit and form, the nature of man with reference to destiny and nature) influenced his educational theory with regard to teaching intellectual development and the formation of good moral habits.

9. On Happiness and Ethics (5) It is only through education that potential happiness can become truly accessible. Education is the touchstone of Aristotelian ethics. The virtues, wisdom and happiness are acquired through education. The art of living is something to be learned. (1)

10. References 1.) Hummel, C. (1993). Aristotle (384-322 B.C.). Prospects: the quarterly review of comparative education. UNESCO: International Bureau of Education, 23, 1/2, 1993, p. 39-51. Paris: UNESCO. 2.) Lewis, R.B. (1981). The philosophical roots of lifelong learning. Abstract retrieved September 24, 2010 from ERIC database, (ED213356). 3.) Mattimore-Knudson, R. (1981). Forum: Aristotle’s view of the andragogy/pedagogy issue. Journal of Extension, March/April, 1981, p. 29-31. 4.) Educational Encyclopedia: Aristotle. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from http://www.answers.com/topic/aristotle. 5.) The life of Aristotle. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/ageexed/acee/aristotle.html. 6.) Education for a common end. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1763/Aristotle-384-322-B- C-E.html.