PSYCHOLOGICAL ORIENTATION OF RUSSELL'S CARDINAL VIRTUES AS THE OBJECTIVES OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Abstract

Bertrand Russell’s educational philosophy is genuinely rooted in a psychological understanding of human nature. In contrast to other educational theories which focus merely on the transmission of knowledge, he regarded education as a process of developing a complete human personality which would be capable of achieving individual self-actualization and social harmony. He identifies four cardinal virtues as the primary objectives of his philosophy of education. These virtues are not only ethical ideals but also psychological dispositions that enable individuals to attain personal fulfillment and empower them to contribute in building the society. His thoughts replicate a synthesis of psychology, ethics, and social philosophy. He assumed that a healthy society can emerge only through the cultivation of psychologically balanced individuals trained by the education having the above said virtues. Accordingly, the ultimate goal of education should not be merely intellectual achievement but it must aim at the harmonious growth and development of human character. Thus he examined the educational problems found in institutions, policies, manners, process keeping in view the paradigm of psychological, ethical, political and social foundations. He found that a number of problems takes place not from intellectual deficiency alone but originate due to psychological maladjustment of the young in a society. The elements of dogmatism, fear, prejudice, hatred, and excessive conformity were products of defective educational systems. Consequently, education should not merely a process of imparting information but it must be a transformation from ‘to believe’ to ‘how to think’. For this, some cardinal virtues must be included in the process of education.

Keywords- Courage, Intelligence, Justice, Sensitiveness, Temperance, Vitality, Wisdom.