Terminological Meaning
Educationists have paid a great attention to the explanations of the
terminordertoexplicateitsscientificpurport.Yet,theyhavenotpresen-
ted a unanimous one. The following is a set of definitions:
The earliest definition of education is that exposed by Plato’s saying,
“Educationstandsforgrantingthesoulsandbodiesasmuchaspossible
anamountofaesthetesandperfection.”Thisdefinitioncomprisesphys-
ical and spiritual education. The former is that education which sows
corporaldevelopmentandprosperity,whilethelatteristhatwhichcre-
ates perfection and virtue.
Hubbell renders a characterization of the perfect education. He says,
“Perfecteducationisthatconservingthephysicalconditionandvigorof
pupils, and gives the power of controlling the mental and corporeal
powers.Italsoincreasestherapidityofrealizationandthesharpnessof
intelligence, andaccustoms to goodand precisejudgment and creates
gentleness in fulfilling duties deliberately.”
ForGoldSimon,“Educationisthewayofmakingtheintellectarealin-
tellectandtheheartarealheart.”Thisdefinitionindicatesthateducation
should be the device of achieving intellective growth and nourishing
soulswithvirtuousethics.Atanyrate,itreferstothespiritualeducation
exclusively.
Herbertsays,“Educationistrainingmanforenjoyingperfectlives.”Like
theprevious,thisdefinitionisexclusivelyrestrictedtothementaleduca-
tion.
JohnMiltondefines,“Perfecteducationisthatwhichhelpsmantofulfill
anyjobsoaccuratelyandskillfullyinpeaceandwars.”Thisdefinitionis
dedicated to the professional education.
ForMistalotzi,“Educationisdevelopingallofthepotentialsofchildren
perfectly and properly.”
Hassledefineseducationasthemannersofdiscipliningthenaturalabil-
itiesofchildrentomakethemfitenoughforbeinginchargeofahappy
compartment.
Gimuelsays,“Educationisbringingupindividualsforsatisfyingthem-
selves first, and others secondly.”
Litherysays,“Educationistheactivitiesthatpurposeforbringingupa
childorayoung.Itisasetoftheacquiredintellectualandmanualhabits,
as well as ethical features.”
WemayaffirmthatJohnDewey’sdefinitionisthemostacceptable.He