Existentialism in education is controversial but can benefit both students and teachers. It emphasizes the individual’s reality and the importance of creating a fulfilling reality. It can manifest at the teacher level and some argue it should be taught to all students. However, there is room for debate on its role in education.
To understand the role of existentialism in education, one must first develop an understanding across existentialism in general. This can be very difficult at times, largely due to the fact that this field of philosophy, like many, is somewhat abstract. Once understood, it is easy to see how existentialism could potentially benefit both student and teacher. It is also evident that this is a controversial topic.
Existentialism is founded on the individual. It is oriented towards the fact that each person’s reality is based on itself. There is no universal concept of what is real, only unlimited variations of personal perspectives on life. What may be real for one person may not be for the next and so on and so on until the end of time.
This is not the end of existentialism, but only the beginning. While the many hardships facing humanity are somewhat universal, existentialists argue that the difference between happy and sad is in which reality each person creates for themselves. It is up to the individual to construct a reality in which they feel important and fulfilled, and realizing this is what gives life meaning or allows a person to feel sad and empty. This is the backbone of existentialism.
Existentialism in education is significant in many ways. Some argue that existentialism should be taught to students of all levels. Others believe that the role of existentialism in education should be reserved for higher education.
In many ways, existentialism in education could manifest itself at the teacher level as well. For example, teachers who feel that what they are doing for a living benefits others are more likely to do a better job than those who just get by. Most teachers who embody deeper meaning in their work are more passionate, engaging, and effective in the classroom. This is another example of how existentialism in education can be critical.
Like most beliefs of a philosophical or religious nature, there is always room for debate. While some scholars, administrators, teachers, or students may feel that existentialism has a role in education, others likely argue that the two should be separated. Whether taught as part of a curriculum or embodied by a teacher or student, there is no question that this philosophical perspective has ties to the education system.
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