In the modern education system, education is more about getting good grades and scholarships rather than knowing what real education is, digging deeper in knowing attaining education in the real sense. A number of books by Paulo Coelho discuss the idea that people, who actually understand the meaning of education and attain the virtue of self-knowledge, are both more successful and more content than the others, who only acquire education to get a degree, and eventually a job. In this article, we will look at some of the philosophies of education, presented by some of the most renowned philosophers the world has ever produced.
The Real Source of Knowledge

Plato has discussed three sources of knowledge, referring bookish knowledge to be of the least standard. According to Plato, knowledge is not simply reading books or gathering facts, but it is the own interpretation of the acquired facts based on personal search and wisdom. Plato believe that the highest degree of knowledge is knowing what is good and what is not, what is truth and what is lie, and other things that are universal. A person, when acquires the skill of differentiating between good and evil, truth and lie, gain the highest degree of knowledge.
Admitting Ignorance

Not knowing is the art of knowing, as discussed by Socrates. Many of us, especially the teachers, do not want to admit the fact that our knowledge is limited and we always want to live in the false belief that what we know is enough or better than the others. Discussing the philosophy of education, Socrates expressed that a wiser and educated person will always be more aware of his/her limitations and ignorance than an unwise one. It is because as a person climbs more stairs of education, he could better see the deep ocean and the wide panorama of knowledge that can be acquired. Thus, admitting ignorance is itself an art of knowledge and wisdom, and a step to dwell further in the ocean of knowledge.

The Art of Critical Reasoning
Plato and Socrates always critically questioned the traditions, norms, and culture they lived in, and this enabled them to think differently than others. They both were the proponents of the art of critical reasoning, in order to gain the real essence of education. A person should not rely or believe completely on the information he has been told by others, unless he himself proves it with his wisdom and intellect. There are many practices subsisting in societal and educational culture, which we follow simply because we are told to do so, or others also follow. Critical reasoning comes with critical thinking and critical questioning, in which a person tests information on the parameters of common sense and wisdom.

History is evident to examples of people, who have outshined the rest with their ability to defy from the traditional ways of education. Thus, the philosophy of education is not becoming a book worm but acquiring the ability to see things from your own unique standpoint.

Author bio:  Sara Jones is renowned educationist with zeal in education philosophy and development. She is currently affiliated with doneassignment, which authorizes his academic publications and seminars.