An Argument for Critical and Liberal Education: A Synthesis of Ancient and Modern Thought

Abstract

Karl Marx’s ideology is a synthesis of modern and ancient schools of thought. His belief that it is our duty to change the world is a contrast to Plato and Aristotle’s viewpoints. In this essay, I will show that it is Marx’s definition that can be best used to understand a given state and society. Plato’s substantialism and Aristotle’s ideal state of “polity” as well as his views on aristocracy directly oppose Marx’s view on historical materialism. By comparing both modern and ancient schools of thought, I intend to analyse the models of education that serve and cater to the goals of a capitalist economy.