Some Thoughts concerning Education
Locke discusses health, habits, judgment and moral education through advice addressed to parents. The work values formation of character over mechanical accumulation of knowledge.
Understanding the text
Published in 1693 from letters to Edward Clarke, it mainly addresses the education of an English gentleman. Its prescriptions reflect the social and gender inequalities of its time.
Key points
- 01
Habits
Repetition and example shape conduct beyond memorized rules.
- 02
Reason
Education aims gradually to develop judgment and self-command.
- 03
Context
A program for elites does not describe the circumstances of every child.
How to read it
Compare practical advice with its historical audience and contemporary knowledge about childhood.
Editions & sources
- Consult the reference 1plato.stanford.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 2plato.stanford.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 3iep.utm.edunew tab
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗