Welcome!
This course provides an introduction to the foundational philosopher Plato and his thoughts on education. Plato’s philosophy of education has shaped the educational principles and practices of the Western world for over two millennia. In this course, Dr. David Diener guides educators through a discussion of Plato’s background and context, some of his key insights on curriculum and pedagogy, and his educational legacy, closing with the relevance and implications of Plato’s views for educators in the twenty-first century.
The course is based on the guidebook Plato: The Great Philosopher-Educator by Dr. David Diener. We recommend purchasing the text for reference throughout the course.
This book is also available as an audiobook, available from Audible.com here.
- Lesson 1: Introduction, Biography of Plato, and Plato’s Historical Context
- Lesson 2: Plato’s Educational Context
- Lesson 3: Plato’s Understanding of the Nature and Purpose of Education
- Lesson 4: Plato’s Model of Education: Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Lesson 5: Plato’s Educational Legacy and the Relevance and Implications of Plato’s Thought for Twenty-First-Century Education
- Lesson 6: Conclusion and Recommendations for Further Study
Dr. David Diener has a BA in philosophy and ancient languages from Wheaton College and an MA in philosophy, an MS in history and philosophy of education, and a dual PhD in philosophy and philosophy of education from Indiana University. He works at Hillsdale College, where he is Headmaster of Hillsdale Academy and Lecturing Professor of Education. The Dieners have four children and enjoy working, playing, loving, and laughing together.
Please Note: The certification credit component of this course is now active but also undergoing refinement and testing.
To obtain a certification credit for this course, simply complete the quiz that follows each presentation in the course, and then also take the certification test at the end of the course. The quizzes are designed to ensure that you have understood the essential content of each presentation, and they can be taken more than once if necessary. The cumulative certification test at the end of the course is given as a pass/fail test and requires that you upload one or more essays demonstrating your understanding this course (with essays evaluated by word count only). When you have completed the course, a certificate that you can print or email will magically appear under the “My Courses” section of this website.
We recommend previewing the essay question at the end of the End-of-Course Test. This will help in guiding your note taking as you progress through the course.
Please allow approximately 2 weeks for essay submissions to be reviewed.
By taking the course for certification credit, you also will be on your way to obtaining a Level 1 certification.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Plato’s Biography & Historical Context
Preview
Lesson 2: Plato’s Educational Context
Lesson 2: Plato’s Educational Context Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.
Lesson 3: The Nature and Purpose of Education
Lesson 3: The Nature and Purpose of Education Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.
Lesson 4: Plato’s Model of Education
Lesson 4: Plato’s Model of Education Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.
Lesson 5: Plato’s Legacy and Relevance
Lesson 5: Plato’s Legacy and Relevance Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.
Lesson 6: Closing Thoughts
Lesson 6: Closing Thoughts Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.
End of Course Test
End of Course Test Please sign up for the course before starting the lesson.