Aristotle (384-322 BC) outlined his philosophy of education primarily in his works “Eudemian Ethics” and “Nicomachean Ethics.” John Vespasian explains that the Aristotelian formula for education revolves around the concept of virtue, that is, that the purpose of education is to equip students with physical, moral and intellectual habits enabling them to achieve “eudaimonia.” How should we translate the Greek term “eudaimonia” that appears in Aristotle’s works? Medieval translators had mostly transcribed “eudaimonia” as “happiness.” In later centuries, we can find translations employing the words “human flourishing” and “human thriving.” Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-views-on-education/

After Aristotle’s death in 322 BC, it did not take long for the world to forget his contributions to educational theory. John Vespasian explains how the Aristotelian idea that the purpose of life is happiness received attacks from all sides. In contrast to Aristotle’s educational advice (i.e., teach students to become virtuous, so that they can achieve happiness), the education in ensuing centuries concentrated on learning facts and acquiring skills. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/opponents-to-aristotles-views-on-education/

After the disastrous distortions introduced in late Antiquity, it took centuries to put into practice the views that Aristotle (384-322 BC) had developed on education. John Vespasian explains that Aristotelian educational ideas emanate from the Aristotelian ethics. If happiness is the goal, and virtue shows the path, then the purpose of education is to teach virtue. Each student should learn ethics and acquire good habits (virtues) that will lead him to happiness. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/putting-aristotles-views-on-education-into-practice/

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) produced a philosophical system that revolves around the theory of the will (“life force”), which he regarded as the prime mover of all living entities. John Vespasian passes review to Schopenhauer’s main ideas. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-main-ideas/

The key concepts in the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) connect it to Ancient Stoicism and existentialism. John Vespasian passes review to those concepts, which Schopenhauer first outlined in “The world as will and representation,” a book that he published in 1818. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-key-concepts/

The twentieth century has generated three serious initiatives to revive the educational philosophy put forward by Aristotle (384-322 BC), or similar to his. John Vespasian explains Aristotle's views on education compared to John Dewey's, Carl Roger's, and Maria Montessori's. He also explains the uniqueness of Aristotle's views on education. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/the-revival-of-aristotles-views-on-education/

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) rejected the unshakeable optimism of his contemporaries about the power of reason. John Vespasian explains that Schopenhauer acknowledged that all individuals are potentially able to think, but pointed out that we have to make the effort to assess facts accurately and draw logical conclusions. He also explains how Schopenhauer diverges from Aristotle (384-322 BC) on the role of reason. Aristotle viewed reason as the key characteristic that differentiates humans from animals, and the ultimate guide for making decisions. Schopenhauer rated reason as important, but insufficient in the absence of self-awareness. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauer-and-the-role-of-reason/

The historical influence of Aristotle (384-322 BC) rests on the labours of one man, namely, Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). John Vespasian explains why Aquinas devoted most of his life to reconciling Christian theology with Aristotelian philosophy. He also breaks down the key aspects in which Aquinas retook Aristotelian philosophy and made it accessible to large numbers of readers. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-influence-on-western-philosophy/

The views of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) on the role of reason differ from those of prior philosophers. John Vespasian explains the difference between Schopenhauer's views and those of Epicurus, Thomas Aquinas, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Spinoza, and Socrates. Schopenhauer was right in sustaining that an unexamined life is sub-optimal, but normal. The consistent use of reason brings vast benefits, but it is rare because it requires sustained effort. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/analysis-of-schopenhauers-views-on-the-role-of-reason/

The influence of Aristotle (384-322 BC) on Western ideals, philosophy and society has been a slow and difficult process. John Vespasian gives an overview of the path of Aristotle's influence through the works of Avicenna, Maimonides, Averroes and Albert the Great. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/the-path-of-aristotles-influence-on-western-philosophy/