The main aim of Plato's Philosophy is to bring reforms in the Greek "State of Athens". Therefore, his scheme of Education is a spiritual remedy of realization of Justice. According to Plato, social education is a means to social justice. Therefore, it is correct to say that education for Plato has been a solution to all important questions during his period.
The ideal state ruled by the philosopher king was made possible by the rigorous scheme of education. The ideal state of Plato was totally constructed on the scheme of education. Plato looked education as a moral reform.
As Professor Ernest Barker said:
Plato's scheme of education brings the soul into that enviroment which in each stage of its growth is best suited for its development.
Plato's theory of education include both male & female. His scheme of education is classified into following three division:
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Higher Education
Primary Education:
According to the Plato's scheme of education, Primary Education is the first step which start from the birth to age six (0-6). Primary Education comprises of Story Telling, Music, Physical Exercises, etc.
Secondary Education:
After completing primary education one must have to enroll in Secondary Education. This education starts from age 6 to 20 but have two parts one from age 6 to 18. During this period student were taught diverse subjects of life.
After this education one has to appear in the test called "Test 1".
Student who failed this test have to join the Producer Class. Those who passed the test will go for further education, which comprises of two years from 18 to 20 years of age. During these years qualified students were given Military Education.
After this education there is Test 2 which is also called a test of reasoning. Those who failed will join the Military Class. And those who passed this test will go for further education.
Higher Education:
This step starts from age 20 to 50 years, but also divided into two parts one from age 20 to 35 in which student was taught major subjects like Philosophy, Astronomy, Mathematics, Politics and some other.
The second part starts at age 35 to 50 years, it is also called as training period. During this training period one is trained in different political and state affairs. After completion of training period, one will get a "Certificate of Philosopher" and now he/she will become "Philosopher King / Queen".
This was called as the "Theory of Philosopher King".
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