Humanism and Aims of Education:
(1) To provide Knowledge of the Inner and Outer World- Humanists advocate that the aim of education should be to lead the child toward progress so that he may lift his body, mind, and soul. Since man realizes his ideals through his acts as such education must give him knowledge of the inner and outer world.
(2) Human Perfection and Excellence- Human perfection and human excellence are the main aims of humanistic education. This implies the development of body and mind, attainment of virtue and wisdom, and development of character. According to humanism a perfect man is better fitted for participation in the activities of the dominant social order.
(3) Development of the Intellect and Self-perfection- Humanists are committed to the development of a free moral personality and want that education should prepare the individual for life. Since humanists lay stress on rationality, therefore, they want education should develop the intellect of the individual so that he can properly discharge his duties. For them, man is an end in himself. As such advancement of his unique human destiny of self-perfection is the supreme goal of humansistic education.
(4) Universal Brotherhood- Humanistic education aims at creating universal brotherhood in man irrespective of caste, creed, or origin to increase man’s efficiency to become a useful member of society.
(5) A wide range of Accomplishments- Humanists advocate liberal education best suited for a free man who studies subjects having cultural value. Through such an education they want to produce a well-educated person possessing a well-developed personality and capable of assuming leadership. They, thus, want that education should produce such an individual who has a wide range of accomplishments and is a gentleman capable of expressing himself in poetry, song, and dance.
(6) Girls Education- Humanists want the aim of education in the case of girls is to make them versatile; highly principled wives, mothers, and intelligent mistresses of dead households.
(7) Character Formation- By providing a rich social environment, humanism aims at helping the learner to grow in character and understanding through the interplay of personalities rather than by the imparting of knowledge.
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