Locke Vs Rousseau

Education was created to serve several different purposes; however, some classical thinkers have contrasting views on what the main aim or goal of education is. When it comes to the purpose of education, John Locke believes virtue, wisdom, breeding, and learning should be the main priorities whereas Rousseau suggests students should learn to reason and think to become good, productive members of society. Even though John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau have different opinions on the purpose of education, there are some similarities. Ultimately, the purpose of education should be to educate the individual and allow them to create their own moral code and way of thinking and reasoning in order to prepare them for the future to better society …show more content…
Rousseau focuses more on the natural capabilities of humans. Philosophical Documents in Education by Johnson and Reed says Rousseau believed, “that natural or primitive humankind has, through the impulses and instincts of nature, the ability to learn about and live within the world they inhabit,” (p. 50). He focuses more on human’s natural tendencies and abilities. Locke emphasized his belief that students should be nurtured. He believes in repetition to form habits. He thought the purpose of society was to protect the individual’s rights. While they both want to improve society, they have different ways of getting there. Locke sees education as a way to create people with good character. Rousseau wants to create people who reason and think for themselves. Locke wants students to start learning and reasoning from a young age. Rousseau doesn’t think students should start truly using their mind until it is fully …show more content…
Locke shows how a person of good character will achieve success and better the world. Rousseau shows how reasoning and thinking are two qualities of proper citizens. Even though they don’t necessarily agree on the way to a better society, I think they both believe it should start with education. Google dictionary defines education as “an enlightening experience.” This implies that the purpose of education is enlightenment. It doesn’t really matter how that happens as long as students leave schooling with an overall understanding of how the world works and they have the qualities and skills needed to succeed. Education is about making students into citizens who have their own ideas, thoughts, and

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