Education is the term which has been defined by various educationists in many ways since the time of Plato to the modern times of John Dewey and Mahatma Gandhi. Honestly speaking, it is not impossible but still quite difficult to give a specific definition of education and the toughest part of it is to expect all educationists to get agreed. 

You must be thinking, why and how this kind of situation goes on?  This is because of the simple fact that different philosophers have got a variety of opinions and they always like to stand with their philosophy of life. Thus the definitions of education ought to be very comprehensive and all-inclusive. 


If the process of learning tries to be perceived in its narrow, wider and analytical sense but none of them the true meaning of education. If the education is taken in a narrow sense the formal process of predetermined titbits of knowledge through set methods is neglected or forced down. It gets confined to the school campus. So the natural development of a child can not be promoted.

In its wider term education becomes an obvious and formal procedure that aims nothing but to allow the child uncontrolled freedom for random activities. This kind of process must get flunked to infuse moral, social and spiritual values in the children. 

It can be said, that the concept of education is a synthesis of narrow and wider both processes. This combination will develop the control fully according to his inherent tendencies and the concurrent progress of society, of which he is a crucial part. Such concepts of learning will not only develop the child and the society to attain higher and higher positions but also help in winning laurels and cultural essences.

How the ideals and aims can be described in different times and places-:  

When looking at the history of education in any country will reveal that the purposes of education have invariably gone hand in hand with the aims and ideals of social life. The level of education in India can be studied.

Ancient Time-: 

In ancient times, the Aryans believed that the aim and meanings of human life were to lead a prosperous and intended life in a natural environment with the aim of holistic development. In that period of Upanishad, anything which led to salvation was enlightening because, in that age, salvation was believed to be the ideal of life. In ancient times the development of spiritualism was not only the main goal of human life but the social ideals also set. 

Medieval --: 

During the Buddhist period, Lord Buddha established a contemporary set of religious beliefs, that were different from Vedic ideals. Consequently, religious training was one of the main objectives of Buddhist education. The students were also trained to gain those required skills, which were essential to lead a better  life.

Process in the Muslim period -: 

During this period due to Muslim influence, considerable changes could be noticed in the beliefs and way of living in society. The Process of learning was based on religious principles. While at the same time, Vedic education was provided along the lines of the ancient education system.

Modern Educational Methods-: The arrival of the British in India further led the country to undergo considerable changes in beliefs and way of life. The British administration was very much interested in strengthening its hold on the country. 

Hence, Macaulay was of the view or in favour of that type of education which was aimed to prepare individuals who were Indians merely in colour and blood but remain the English in Interest, opinion, morality and intelligence. As a result Schools following the British system of education Prepared individuals only for the  clerical or the white collar jobs.

Another change has been noticed in the practice of society and its beliefs after the independence of our country. The establishment of democracy starts looking for democratic ideals in the field of education also. The goal has been set for the all-around development of the community. 

All the eminent educationists of that time, like Gandhi ji, Dr Radhakrishnan, Sri Aurobindo Ghosh,  Vivekananda, and Rabindranath Tagore, dreamt and proposed comprehensive education that ought based upon human psychology. Today education is a good combination of utility and high idealism. 

This system of education has been chosen keeping in view the purposes and the needs of Indian society. It emphasises the importance of values and purposes in maintaining a balance between the individual and the social good as well.

Objectives of education are based not only on different time zones but also on different places. It will be amply confirmed by a perusal of the aims of education in countries located in different places in the world.