Herbart Spenser was a biologist, sociologist and political theorist. He was a great enthusiast of evolution. Some of the work he did among them is, expression of ‘survival of the fittest theory’. His experience in empirical science and pre-Darwinian concept defined his career. After publishing his first book, he was introduced to leading radical and progressive thinkers. Thomas Aquinas was a great follower of Aristotle. He was influenced by his works which he integrated with Christian principles. At school he was called the ‘dump ox’ since he was fat and one eye bigger than the other. Due to his features, he alienated himself from the rest, (Seat, W, 1994). His career was influenced by his intrusion to Dominican order and the appearance of an angel in his dreams
Another philosopher is John Stuart. John Stuart was brought up in a unique way because he was secluded from other children. His father wanted to create a genius out of him. The political atmosphere then was biased and there was no equality. He wrote articles and used his powers in parliament to advocate for women and laborers.
All philosophers affirm that education should be collaborative. According to Vivian B, The summa Theologiae supports that, growth and development applies to both knowledge and character. Moreover, an ideal teacher and student should have unique characteristics. It is common in all theories that, learning begins immediately a student has a problem that has to be solved with teacher’s guidance/ assistance, (Davis, B, 1992). Herbart Spenser disagrees since he is based more on individual effort. He argues that, learners should synthesizes their thoughts. That is, students see and record for themselves. Juan Stuart’s argument is quite broad in the sense that it is on government involvement in education. In his essay on liberty, he insists education should be mandatory to all those born as citizens. It is an obligation rested in the hands of parents and the government.
- Davis, B, 1992. The thought of Thomas Aquinas. Westminster press.
- Ream, T, Seat, W. Emerging Christian Scholars among the Intellectual Virtues or Why They All Should Be Thomists.
- Vivian, B. St Thomas’s sermon Puer Iesus: a neglected source for his understanding of teaching and learning.
