Which educational philosophy emphasizes opening students' minds to rational thought and the classics, often associated with a 'great books' curriculum?

• A. Perennialist educator
• B. Progressivist educator
• C. Reconstructionist educator
• D. Existentialist educator

Answer: (A)

Opening students’ minds to rational thought through the engagement with timeless works is the essence of perennialism. This approach holds that there are enduring truths about life, human nature, and morality that can be discovered by studying great books from the classical tradition. The aim is to cultivate the rational mind and character by wresting with these classic ideas, debates, and questions in a structured, serious curriculum. A great books curriculum fits this philosophy because it centers on canonical texts that have stood the test of time and uses them to train reasoning, moral reflection, and a coherent intellectual worldview, rather than chasing current trends or solely practical skills.

Progressivism, by contrast, emphasizes learning through student-led inquiry, real-world problems, and experiences guided by students’ interests. Existentialism focuses on individual meaning, choice, and authentic personal inquiry. Reconstructionism aims to use education as a force for social reform and addressing societal issues. While valuable in its own right, none of these place the universal, rational study of classic texts at the heart of schooling in the same way perennialism does.