Kant's Theory Of Education, By Immanuel Kant

Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher during the Enlightenment, a time when dramatic changes were taking place in philosophy, the sciences, and politics. He was born on April 22, 1724 in Konigsberg, Prussia, a town that he would never leave. His father was a saddle maker, and his mother was known for her character and natural intelligence. Kant’s family lived modestly, and was active in the Pietism branch of the Lutheran Church. Kant’s pastor made it possible for him to receive an education, by admitting him to the Pietism School at the age of eight. Here Kant studied Latin and theology until he was sixteen. (3)

Following the Pietism School, Kant enrolled at the University of Konigsberg as a theology student; however, his true passions lied

Ultimately, “…it is delightful to realize that through education human nature will be continually improved, and brought to such a condition as is worthy of the nature of man. This opens out to us the prospect of a happier human race in the future” (Kant, Theory of Education). These children are to be educated as ends in themselves, and their dignity should be respected. (1)

While Kant strongly endorsed the development of moral character, he was opposed to the prize and punishment system. He felt that “moral culture must be based upon maxims, not upon discipline” (2). If one made the right decision strictly based upon a reward or consequence, than he did not possess proper moral worth. Kant acknowledges that this system was one of the greatest challenges in education. Furthermore, some beliefs that Kant possessed are still found in school systems today. Kant had an extremely strict view on what education should entail, and many of his ideas have been adapted to a modern society. In relation, the ultimate goal of education today is still to develop morally sound individuals. With a liberal arts education, we strive to create well-rounded, sympathetic persons who benefit the world in some way and make informed, respectable