Frameworks of Education: Aristotle’s Legacy and the Foundations of Knowledge

The foundations of modern higher education can be traced back to Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers in human history. Through the founding of his school of thought, Lyceum, Aristotle revolutionized the branches of knowledge, which in turn influenced research, teaching, and learning. This chapter outlines the influences that motivated Aristotle to address the reformation of education in society. Additionally, several of his most significant contributions to education are discussed, including (1) ways to attain knowledge; (2) development of new disciplines, logic, and terminology; (3) foundations of research; and (4) emphasis on experimental learning and lectures as teaching methods. New insights on the role of government and education in a democratic society are also provided in response to some of Aristotle’s most famous works about the relationship between education and state (polis). The chapter concludes with a discussion about lasting intellectual legacies of Aristotle’s philosophy that continue to be interwoven into the fabric of societies and across the world.