The Meaning of Education (Semantics)

The Meaning of Education (Semantics)

The Meaning of Education (Semantics)

The first thing we must do in order to approach our subject (as must be done in dealing with any topic) is to define its true nature and meaning in clear terms; i.e. to make a. terminological (semantic) specification. It is particularly necessary to do this in the case of education so that we may become aware of the existence of a basic misunderstanding, or confusion that must be eliminated.

Education has often been considered as synonymous to "instruction," i.e. the imparting of knowledge and information. Up until a short time ago and even now) the majority of schools of all levels has aimed, more or less openly, at such a goal, and has intended to carry out such a function. That education, in the true meaning of the word, is something quite different, something that is much more inclusive, and that in a certain sense, even has the opposite meaning!

Instruction means to infuse, to put something in that is lacking, to fill a. vacuum. The etymological meaning of the word "education", however, means to "draw out" (from the Latin "educere")...to lead, to draw out that which is within; i.e. to bring to light what is hidden, to render actual what is only potential, to develop.

It also. means to draw out of conditions that limit; in other words, it is the favoring of a process of growth. Of course, education also includes the imparting of ideas, but this must be seen only as a first step or stage, as an instrument or necessary means, and not as an end in itself. Both aspects and concepts are included in the common usage of the word "education", and this easily creates confusion and misunderstandings. It would, therefore, be useful to distinguish between them and to always specify, for example, by using the terms "informative education" and "formative education".