Rousseau and Locke have similar views on the idea that humans are born good. Locke supports Aristotle’s theory of tabula rasa, meaning blank slate. He believes that children are born with a clean slate without sin and innate ideas. A child is born with specific capabilities that are genetically linked to how they are able to develop later in life. With the help of education a child has the potential for growth. Not all children are born with identical natures, however they have certain temperaments that are a result of their genetics (Yolton, 2001, p. 683). It is known that genetics are what make each child unique, although to Locke, it is true that all infants are innocent and consequently good.
Similar to Locke, Rousseau sees human nature …show more content…
Locke views education as beneficial to expanding the good nature of people. Education allows people to learn the right habits in order to continue the natural goodness they were born with. Locke believes that education help children “acquire the habit of learning to endure a present pain for the sake of a greater future” (Tuckness, 2010, p. 630). Locke is stating that education may invoke present struggle, but with it, a person will have a brighter future. An educated person will not miss out because they possess the skills that give them more opportunities and chances to enjoy their lives. Education creates happiness through establishing a sound body and a sound mind (Romanell, 1961, p. 551). A sound body and mind is achieved through physical exercise to create a strong mental …show more content…
He argues that as people grow older, they move further away from their natural goodness. Education should preserve what is good within people, however, in order for that to occur it must be aligned with nature. Rousseau believes that society corrupts education, causing people better before they receive any education. He sees society as superficial, and in order for education to preserve the natural goodness of children, education must be independent from society. Education should be separate from society and not interfere with the natural physical and psychological development of a child (Murphy, 2006, p. 174). He argues that since society plays such a big role in deciding how children learn, that it unfortunately is too impure and ends up damaging the natural good, rather than enhancing it. Children need to let their natural goodness to progress as they grow and the way to do that is through individualized
Similar to Locke, Rousseau sees human nature …show more content…
Locke views education as beneficial to expanding the good nature of people. Education allows people to learn the right habits in order to continue the natural goodness they were born with. Locke believes that education help children “acquire the habit of learning to endure a present pain for the sake of a greater future” (Tuckness, 2010, p. 630). Locke is stating that education may invoke present struggle, but with it, a person will have a brighter future. An educated person will not miss out because they possess the skills that give them more opportunities and chances to enjoy their lives. Education creates happiness through establishing a sound body and a sound mind (Romanell, 1961, p. 551). A sound body and mind is achieved through physical exercise to create a strong mental …show more content…
He argues that as people grow older, they move further away from their natural goodness. Education should preserve what is good within people, however, in order for that to occur it must be aligned with nature. Rousseau believes that society corrupts education, causing people better before they receive any education. He sees society as superficial, and in order for education to preserve the natural goodness of children, education must be independent from society. Education should be separate from society and not interfere with the natural physical and psychological development of a child (Murphy, 2006, p. 174). He argues that since society plays such a big role in deciding how children learn, that it unfortunately is too impure and ends up damaging the natural good, rather than enhancing it. Children need to let their natural goodness to progress as they grow and the way to do that is through individualized