Perennialism in the Context of Philippine Public Education

Essay from the year 2016 in the subject Philosophy - Practical (Ethics, Aesthetics, Culture, Nature, Right, ...), grade: 1.00, University of the Philippines, language: English, abstract: This essay will discuss perennialism and its components, based primarily on the works of its major proponents, namely: Robert Maynard Hutchins and Mortimer Jerome Adler, its application to the Philippine context, and the author's stand about the said philosophy. Perennial means everlasting, like a perennial flower that comes up year after year, which espouses the notion that some ideas have lasted over the centuries, and are as relevant today as when they were first conceived. These perennial ideas cannot just be disregarded because these also reflect what we, as a nation, have always wanted. It is interesting that these ideas, like democracy, truth, and good education, are what most of us sought ever since. However, in the modern era, educational systems have been more focus on change, and thereby indirectly rejecting the works that great people from the past have contemplated in their time; hence, it is very easy to find people who will oppose this educational philosophy. Given that most people are not open to this kind of philosophy at this time, as educators, who are seeking the best education for our students and ultimately for our nation, we need to examine and consider the philosophies, such as perennialism, and their ideals that could possibly attain our purpose.

May Anne Joy D. Romanes is a professional researcher, teacher, and a change catalyst. She is currently a public servant in the Department of Education Philippines.