The philosophy of education of al-Farabi and the present

Abstract

The Article is dedicated to a philosophical discourse about al-Farabi’s thinking on education. This topic is important to understand in the current situation of Kazakh’s state educationin the context of global challenges. Philosophy is critical thinking,therefore the problem of education has been an integrated part of the conception of outstanding philosophers. On the basis of a number of methodological
principles,an extrapolation of metaphysical concepts was made concerning the problem of education
in Al – Farabi’s thinking; the hermeneutical method of research is used for understanding the essence
of education through analysis of statements of Al – Farabi; the comparative approach includes a set of
methods of comparative analysis.
Al-Farabi’sphilosophical system implies numerous educational and philosophical-educational reflections
which are relevant also nowadays. The unity of philosophical and educational reflections of
al-Farabiis a result of his moral and philosophical way of thinking. Al-Farabi’s education is a formation of
ethic, unity of intellectual and ethic perfection of the person, achievement of happiness through knowledge.
The anthropological aspect of the doctrine of al-Farabi about education is about the rational and
social human being. A starting point of the argument of Al-Farabi is an anthropological definition of the
value of reason for the human being. Practical and theoretical levels of knowledge of al-Farabiare an
ontological basis of formation of education.
In his discourse concerning education greot thinker mentionsthe teaching of mathematical, musical
and philosophical «paideia». The human being has to develop his moral qualities, with the aim to reach
happiness through acquiring scientific knowledge.
There are in works of al-Farabithe requirements of education, the measurable effects of education,
teaching methods, the image of the teacher, the relationship between teacher and pupil and the role of
the teacher vis-à-vis the pupil. The purpose of education: to promote realization by the person of her
mission, obtaining happiness through knowledge. The philosophical discourse about al-Farabi’s idea of education as a way of thinking and reflecting on culture, as well as his concept of unity of intellectual and moral are of great value for reforming the education system in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Key words: Al-Farabi, education, philosophy of education, valueof education, human being