International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VII, July 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Implications of Thomas Aquinas Philosophy on Contemporary Education in Kenya; A Classical Perspective

Khisa Alfred Simiyu^1*, Elvis Kauka Omondi², Werunga Khisa Stephen³, William Kosgey^4
1,2Department of Educational Foundations Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
³Department of Education Management Kibabii University, P.O Box 1699-50200, Kenya
⁴Department of Education Foundations Moi University, Kenya
*Corresponding author

Abstract: The overemphasis of human capital for addressing societal needs has driven education systems globally to reorient education systems towards empowering the young with vital competencies for suitability in the job market. In Kenya, such an approach has led to overemphasis of grades, thus void of Values for societal change. However, other approaches like social change perspective that advocates for the transformation of the person for societal change prioritizes the “common good” as vital element for change. In addition, it allows state and religious organizations to influence education curriculum, aims and objectives for societal change. This study critically examines the salient features of Thomas Aquinas’ Theory of education and establishes whether Thomas Aquinas’ philosophical ideas can facilitate the realization of responsible citizens in Kenya.. The study recommends for a multidimensional approach in handling discipline issues, curriculum formulation and implementation and finally embracing a thomistic tradition for reforming education in Kenya for holistic training.

Keywords: Thomas Aquinas, classicism, Education and Training, Implications

1.INTRODUCTION

According to Doyle (2007) the Second Vatican Council of 1965 adopted a Thomistic approach in addressing social upheavals in the church and society at large by emphasizing a moral training and intellectual training in virtues. Towards a responsible citizenry, an education system that reflects on infinite being in relation to the existence of the self has always promoted mutuality and coexistence.
In his encyclical letter Aeternis Patris (1879), Pope Leo XIII acknowledged the great influence of errors and the difference in times and the need to re-position Christian faith in reason. Other scholars who have contemplated on Thomistic thought include Jacques Maritain, Etienne Gilson and Bernard Lonergan.Maritain grounded in Thomistic thought promoted an integral humanism that could blend the best that philosophy, science, politics and Christian revelation could offer. In the light of Thomism, Maritain identified misconceptions in education created as a result of the absence of the Christian idea of man, an overemphasis on exaggerated optimism about the direct and development of intellect (intellectualism)