Abstract
Religious Education from the Perspective of a Philosophy of Analytical Education Philosopher: Example of Paul H. Hirst
In this article, Paul H. Hirst's views on the philosophy of education as general and
religious education as particular have been examined. Hirst is a philosopher of the
philosophy of analytical education. The philosophy of analytical education is a trend which is developed under the influence of analytical philosophy after the traditional
education philosophy. The analytical education philosophers who applied this method
of analysis in education criticized the traditional education philosophy as insufficient in
the solution of current educational problems and have adopted a philosophy of education
which is based on the analysis of basic concepts related to education. As an educational
philosopher from the tradition of the philosophy of analytic education, Hirst argued
that the main task of the philosophy of education was analysis, and gave priority to the
analysis of the basic concepts related to education. He developed his views on religious
education based on the philosophy of analytic education. In this context, Hirst argued
that depending on analytical education philosophers view upon the nature of education
and their understanding of information forms, education and the philosophy of education
based on Christianity could not be developed. These views were criticized by the renowned
religious educator Hull. In contrast to him, Hull argued that a critical understanding of
education based on Christian theology could be developed. Considering the pluralist and
the secular social structure, Hirst has the view that a form of religious education that is
not based on faith and which aims at gaining factual knowledge about religion should
take place in schools. His views influenced not only the prominent religious educators
but also has played a role in shaping new religious education models developed in recent
years which are non-dogmatic approaches to education.
Keywords
Paul H. Hirst, Philosophy of Analytical Education, Religious Education, Moral Education, John M. Hul
