Tagore's Philosophy Influenced by India Scriptures and Western Thoughrts

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Tagore’s philosophy was very much influenced by the India scriptures like the Gita and the Upanishads. However he was also very much influenced by the western classical and modern educational thoughts, he synthesized the ancient Vedantic tradition with the modern scientific attitude in formulating the goal of education. Tagore’s system of education also emphasizes the intellectual, physical, social, moral, economic and spiritual aspects of human life. By which a man can develop an integrated personality. The goals of education are as follows:
(1) Self Realization: Spiritualism is the essence of humanism; this concept has been reflected in Tagore's educational philosophy. Self-realization is an important aim of education. Manifestation of personality depends upon the self-realization and spiritual knowledge of individual.
(2) Intellectual Development: Tagore condemned the traditional system of education, in which books and examinations are held important, in which child does not have incentive to think and to assimilate what he had learned. According to him, education should encourage imagination, creative & free thinking, constant curiosity and alertness of the mind rather than mere memory or sorting information about facts which are unrelated. Child should be free to adopt his own way learning which will lead to all round development.
(3) Physical Development: Tagore wanted, through educational, to have children who are healthy and physically well developed and who have keen senses. He thought that there was an inseparable bond between physical and mental faculties. Education of body in the real sense, according to him, does not consists in play and exercise, but in applying the body systematically to do some useful work. That’...

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...vice not only to improve society but also because he will improve himself. Thus education should aim at developing the individual personality as well as social characters which enables him to live as a worthy being.
Curriculum: In terms of curriculum, Tagore advocated a different emphasis in teaching. Rather than studying national cultures for winning the wars and cultural dominance, he advocated a teaching system that analysed history and culture for the progress that may be helpful in breaking down social and religious barriers. Such an approach emphasized the innovations that had been made in integrating individuals of diverse background and in devising the economic policies which emphasized social justice and lessened the gap between rich and poor. The curriculum proposed by Tagore includes not only various subjects but also certain activities to be undertaken.

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