Additionally, Aristotle furthered the field of educational philosophy by creating subjects and a logical inquiry process, insisting that education be moral or ethical, and defining it as intertwined with politics to such a great extent that the best and most necessary education is a state-sponsored education (Chambliss 2008). Influence Toward My Educational Philosophy:

Practically, Aristotle's creation of subjects and his primitive research, which set the foundation for further research, influenced my educational philosophy by insisting the importance of a pragmatic education and establishing the tools for that education -- research. Aristotle's contribution, therefore, shaped my understanding of the purpose of education -- a means toward intellectual inquiry. Furthermore, Aristotle's combination of ethics with morality and politics has shaped the teacher's oath stating that he or she should do no harm, in addition to contributing to what I understand as the goal of education -- to further the goodwill of human kind and society.

Philosopher: John Stuart Mill

Dates: 1806-1873

Summary of Educational Contributions:

John Stuart Mill was a radical philosopher of the 19th Century, influencing profoundly the accepted philosophy and political structure of his day. His contributions toward education came primarily through his philosophy of human rights -- that all, even women, are equal under the law -- and his belief should be organized...

Additionally, a major influence on the realm of education includes Mill's belief that knowledge must be experienced instead of known "a priori" (Heydt 2006).
Influence Toward My Educational Philosophy:

Like Aristotle, Mill's understanding of the importance of ethics and society has profoundly shaped how many organize their classroom. Based on Mill's contributions, teachers' educational philosophies must reflect an attempt to make all students equal, giving them each a common opportunity to succeed. In addition, Mill's emphasis on experience in learning shapes my decision to include experiential learning in the classroom, in addition to allowing each student to express his or her unique view on a subject due to his or her unique experiences.

References

Chambilss, J.J. (2008). Aristotle: Education for a Common End. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from State University.com's Education Encyclopedia

Web Site: http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1763/Aristotle-384-322-B-C-E.html

Dillon, Ariel. (2004). Education in Plato's Republic. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from Santa Clara University

Web Site: http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/submitted/dillon/education_plato_republic.html

Heydt, Colin. (2006). John Stuart Mill: Overview. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Web Site: http://www.iep.utm.edu/m/milljs.htm