‘The Gold in the Old’  Reflections on Bertrand Russell’s Educational Theory

Education is a continuous and creative process seen as the foundation of society responsible for economic wealth, social prosperity and political stability. Many people who have made their mark in the world in various fields, and have been acknowledged leaders and innovators, have held different views on formal education and educational institutions. When one encounters the very vast topic of educational theory trying to understand its definition, objectives and methodology, Bertrand Russell’s educational theory which beats limitations of time stands out with its liberal outlook and precepts.

Russell as he himself observes in his autobiography was a man who was governed by three simple but overwhelmingly strong passions namely the longing for love, the search for knowledge and an unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These three aspects of his nature are reflected invariably in his outlook on education also. Russell’s educational methodology and theory become important when actual teaching is considered. Renowned   scholars like Russell and a novice educator have one and the same desire to provide better education for children. Until the nineteenth century, education was reserved for the children of aristocratic and wealthy families and was out of the reach of ordinary children. Russell strongly criticised the system, saying, “Such method of education is only available to the privileged class.  It has no place in an egalitarian society.”  He goes on to say: “Education should take a form that enables it to be available to all children or at least all children capable of benefiting from it.  The education system we should aim for is one in which every boy and every girl is given the opportunity to attain the highest level of education in this world.”  Russell’s ideal was very radical for his time and that he suffered criticism.  Yet his message retains its thrust even today.

In his theory, education plays a key role in civilization and social construction. According to Russell, the question is “whether education should train good individuals or good citizens”. Russell denied the latter.  Education systems in developed countries have adopted Russell’s ideal in some ways, but in the underdeveloped countries most children take to work, not being able to afford education. He was the advocate of working class children and children with special needs, such as handicapped children. It is only recently that handicapped children have been given similar educational attention. It was natural for him to be chosen for the Nobel Prize in literature in recognition of his varied and significant writings which champions humanitarian ideals. Russell wanted all children to be given equal opportunities to receive the best possible education, and maintained that individuals with special needs should be given specific education. Russell’s emphasis on individual needs though sounds idealistic is greatly appreciated by parents everywhere. But even eight decades after Russell proposed his idea of education, the goals are to be realised.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

He calls for certain “sympathy with the child's important desires, instead of any attempt to use him for some abstract end such as the glory of God or the greatness of one's country. And, in teaching, according to Russell, “every attempt should be made to cause the pupil to feel that it is worth his while to know what is being taught. When the pupil co-operates willingly, he learns twice as fast and with half the fatigue”. All these are valid reasons for a very great degree of freedom. In On Education (1926) Russell upheld an education that would liberate the child from unthinking obedience to parental and religious authority.  We are faced with the problem whether education shall aim for packing the children’s brains with practical knowledge or giving them intellectual treasures. Russell observes that education should be practical as educational process is a means to an end, and not an end in itself. He says, “The essence of practicality is that it benefits something that is not purely practical.  A ‘good’ final result sometimes requires a long series of results.”  Education should aim for the happiness of each student.  Therefore, Russell opposed dividing the society into practicality and embellishment.  He argues that both types of knowledge should be provided.  Children should acquire knowledge for material gain as well as knowledge for intellectual pleasure.  There must be both utility and humanity as components. No knowledge is meaningless in the quest for happiness.  Russell’s views point out that education must not be instrumental in creating tailor-made children. Rather, it must encourage the children’s natural inquisitiveness and help them to solve problems and gain happiness on their own initiative.

Russell puts great importance on early education. He emphasises the importance of the role of parents. The formation of a child’s characteristics starts at the point of birth. It is the foundation and the first step of the education for happiness. Unfortunately, Education has become a business and nobody is bothered about its real purpose and one ends up paying more in donation and not getting any real education. Russell’s concept of education remains the ideal one throughout generations and his theme of education for children’s happiness will be upheld by future societies also.