Émile or, Concerning Education; Extracts By: Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
Emile or, Concerning Education; Extracts by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a thought-provoking and influential work that delves deep into the issues surrounding education in the 18th century. Rousseau challenges conventional teaching methods and proposes a holistic approach that focuses on the natural development of a child's mind and character. The book is divided into five sections, each providing insightful and often controversial ideas about education. Rousseau emphasizes that education should be tailored to the individual needs and natural inclinations of the child, rather than conforming to societal norms. He believes that children should be allowed to explore and learn from their surroundings, experiencing the world firsthand rather than being confined to classrooms and textbooks. One of the book's most striking aspects is Rousseau's assertion that children should be shielded from the corrupting influence of society during their early years. He argues for a secluded and controlled environment where children can grow and develop unadulterated by the artificialities of an adult-dominated world. Rousseau's concept of the "child of nature" resonates with his belief that education should nurture the authentic self rather than mold it into societal expectations. Furthermore, Rousseau criticizes the rigid systems of education prevalent during his time, dismissing rote learning and memorization as ineffective and detrimental to a child's intellectual growth. He advocates for a more hands-on approach, encouraging children to actively participate in their own learning process. By engaging in practical experiences and exercises, children are better able to grasp the world around them and develop critical thinking skills. Though written in the 18th century, Emile still offers relevant insights into education today. Rousseau's emphasis on the importance of individuality, autonomy, and self-discovery aligns with current pedagogical theories that focus on student-centered learning. However, some of Rousseau's ideas, such as his stance on the exclusion of females from formal education, may be seen as outdated and disregarding the need for gender equality in education. In conclusion, Emile or, Concerning Education; Extracts by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a seminal work that challenges traditional educational practices and promotes a holistic approach rooted in nature and individuality. Rousseau's ideas provoke reflection on contemporary educational systems, shedding light on the ongoing debate about the role of education in shaping society. First Page: Heath's Pedagogical Library 4 ÉMILE: OR, CONCERNING EDUCATION BY JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU EXTRACTS CONTAINING THE PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF PEDAGOGY FOUND IN THE FIRST THREE BOOKS; WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY JULES STEEG, DÉPUTÉ, PARIS, FRANCE TRANSLATED BY ELEANOR WORTHINGTON FORMERLY OF THE COOK COUNTY (ILL.) NORMAL SCHOOL D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO Entered, according to Act of Congress, In the year 1888, by GINN, HEATH, & CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Printed in U. S. A. TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. M. Jules Steeg has rendered a real service to French and American teachers by his judicious selections from Rousseau's Émile. For the three volume novel of a hundred years ago, with its long disquisitions and digressions, so dear to the heart of our patient ancestors, is now distasteful to all but lovers of the curious in books. "Émile" is like an antique mirror of brass; it reflects the features of educational humanity no less faithfully than one of more modern construction. In these few pages will be found the germ of all that is useful in present systems of education, as well as most of the ever recurring mistakes of well meaning zealots. The eighteenth century translations of this wonderful book have for many readers the disadvantage of an English style long disused... Continue reading book >>

Émile or, Concerning Education; Extracts By: Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

Emile or, Concerning Education; Extracts by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a thought-provoking and influential work that delves deep into the issues surrounding education in the 18th century. Rousseau challenges conventional teaching methods and proposes a holistic approach that focuses on the natural development of a child's mind and character.

The book is divided into five sections, each providing insightful and often controversial ideas about education. Rousseau emphasizes that education should be tailored to the individual needs and natural inclinations of the child, rather than conforming to societal norms. He believes that children should be allowed to explore and learn from their surroundings, experiencing the world firsthand rather than being confined to classrooms and textbooks.

One of the book's most striking aspects is Rousseau's assertion that children should be shielded from the corrupting influence of society during their early years. He argues for a secluded and controlled environment where children can grow and develop unadulterated by the artificialities of an adult-dominated world. Rousseau's concept of the "child of nature" resonates with his belief that education should nurture the authentic self rather than mold it into societal expectations.

Furthermore, Rousseau criticizes the rigid systems of education prevalent during his time, dismissing rote learning and memorization as ineffective and detrimental to a child's intellectual growth. He advocates for a more hands-on approach, encouraging children to actively participate in their own learning process. By engaging in practical experiences and exercises, children are better able to grasp the world around them and develop critical thinking skills.

Though written in the 18th century, Emile still offers relevant insights into education today. Rousseau's emphasis on the importance of individuality, autonomy, and self-discovery aligns with current pedagogical theories that focus on student-centered learning. However, some of Rousseau's ideas, such as his stance on the exclusion of females from formal education, may be seen as outdated and disregarding the need for gender equality in education.

In conclusion, Emile or, Concerning Education; Extracts by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a seminal work that challenges traditional educational practices and promotes a holistic approach rooted in nature and individuality. Rousseau's ideas provoke reflection on contemporary educational systems, shedding light on the ongoing debate about the role of education in shaping society.

First Page:

Heath's Pedagogical Library 4

ÉMILE:

OR, CONCERNING EDUCATION

JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU

EXTRACTS

CONTAINING THE PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF PEDAGOGY FOUND IN THE FIRST THREE BOOKS; WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY

JULES STEEG, DÉPUTÉ, PARIS, FRANCE

TRANSLATED BY

ELEANOR WORTHINGTON

FORMERLY OF THE COOK COUNTY (ILL.) NORMAL SCHOOL

D. C. HEATH & CO., PUBLISHERS

BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO

Entered, according to Act of Congress, In the year 1888, by

GINN, HEATH, & CO.,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Printed in U. S. A.

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

M. Jules Steeg has rendered a real service to French and American teachers by his judicious selections from Rousseau's Émile. For the three volume novel of a hundred years ago, with its long disquisitions and digressions, so dear to the heart of our patient ancestors, is now distasteful to all but lovers of the curious in books.

"Émile" is like an antique mirror of brass; it reflects the features of educational humanity no less faithfully than one of more modern construction. In these few pages will be found the germ of all that is useful in present systems of education, as well as most of the ever recurring mistakes of well meaning zealots.

The eighteenth century translations of this wonderful book have for many readers the disadvantage of an English style long disused... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
Non-fiction

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