Philosophical Sociological Perspectives on Education

Preface

The main aim of the present work is to provide a handy textbook of “Philosophical and Sociological Perspectives on Education” to the M.Ed students of Tamilnadu Teachers Education University, Tamilnadu. This book covers all topics of Philosophical and Sociological Perspectives on Education which has been prescribed in the Tamilnadu Teacher Education University. I am hopeful and fully confident that this book, in its present form, will be very helpful to the B.Ed and M.Ed students.

I believe that moral values in India are weaker than they were 30 years ago and the news and entertainment media are eroding the nation’s moral values. Our ancient values are getting eroded; culture and morality, are getting steadily eliminated from the society. Our society has become materialistic and we are walking in gloom. Various innovations and developments have become the order of the day. In such a situation, the society needs leaders and educational thinkers to liberate the society with a new philosophical approach. Philosophical base of education always prevents us from deviating from the right path. Philosophy has always been a solid foundation of education and we need this solid base today.

Many new concepts and theories have been developed in sociology which have influenced education deeply. It is necessary for the students of education to acquaint themselves with them. Education and society are interdependent and they cannot be separated. The society is the basis of education and education is essential for all-round development of an individual; only then all-round development of the society can be realized. So there is a need to consider issues and problems related to society and education.

In the present work, I analyzed the Indian Philosophy as well as Western philosophy and I made an endeavour to explain different elements, factors, theories and problems of the sociological basis of education. I will be very grateful to the readers if its deficiencies are pointed out so that they may be rectified in the next edition.

I should thank my family members for their continuous support and encouragement, especially, my wife, J. Jeya Devi Vernocia and my beloved son Joshua, and my daughter Jene. I extend my thanks to my beloved mother S.M. Mariammal for I would have never become what I am now without her sweat, toil and sacrifice. And finally I thank God Almighty for showering His graces abundantly throughout my life.

Dr. S. Arulsamy