Are We Still Following Plato?"

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Are We Following Plato's Curriculum Today?

Yes, partially — but with big differences.

Modern Reflections of Plato’s Curriculum

Plato’s Idea Modern Version Reality Check

Physical + moral training PE + Value/Moral Education PE exists, but moral education often neglected
Music, art, poetry Arts education Included but often underfunded
Strong math and logic base Math is core subject True, but students often memorize rather than understand
Philosophy and dialectic Critical thinking, debate clubs, ethics classes Not common in early years; sometimes in high school/university
Curriculum based on ability (selective) Gifted programs, academic tracking Can lead to inequality; Plato wanted wise leadership, not elitism
Education for leadership and service Leadership courses, civics education Depends on country; often limited to elite institutions

️ What Are We Missing from Plato?

1. Moral Purpose of Education:
   Plato believed education should make people just and good, not just job-ready.

2. Deep Thinking (Dialectic):
   Most systems focus more on exam scores than philosophical inquiry.

3. Holistic Soul Development:
   Plato combined physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development. Many modern systems neglect the emotional and spiritual side.

Plato saw education as a lifelong journey from darkness to light – from ignorance to wisdom.
Today's curriculum often feels like a checklist — finish the book, pass the test — but not a journey of the soul.

@Shaista-Begum
A thoughtful comparison we may reflect parts of Plato’s curriculum today, but much of his true vision is lost. While math, arts, and leadership training exist, the moral and philosophical core of education is often missing. Plato aimed to shape just, wise individuals — not just skilled workers. Education should be a journey of the soul, not just a race to exams. A timely reminder to bring purpose and depth back into learning.

@Mariya-Rajpar Plato wholly accepted Socrates' basic assumption about the essential rationality of man. The aim of education is to lead man to his essential rationality.

@Mariya-Rajpar Plato's philosophy, education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals and society. It is seen as a means to attain the ultimate goal of the philosopher-king. Plato believes that the philosopher-king, who possesses wisdom and knowledge, should rule over society.

@Mariya-Rajpar The general aim of education, according to Plato, is to turn the whole soul into the idea of Good

@Mariya-Rajpar The main function of education according to Plato is not to put knowledge into the soul, but to bring out the latent talents in the soul.

@Mariya-Rajpar Subjects like mathematics, philosophy, and logic reflect Plato’s love of reason and the pursuit of ideal truth.

Students are often taught what to think instead of how to think practically.

@Mariya-Rajpar School is still mostly “bookish” and theoretical.

Real-life, hands-on learning is often secondary, similar to Plato’s preference for intellectual knowledge over manual skills.

@Mariya-Rajpar Gifted programs or elite schools reflect Plato’s idea of educating the “best minds” more deeply.

Not everyone receives the same type of education—some systems still classify learners early on.

@Mariya-Rajpar Plato’s ideas shaped Western thought—but they’re not perfect.

Pros: High value on wisdom, truth, logic, and the importance of education.

Cons: Can be rigid, elitist, and disconnected from real-world learning and social equity.

@Mariya-Rajpar "In what ways does our education system reflect Plato’s philosophy, and what needs to change?"