Aristotle and Ancient Educational Ideals

"Aristotle and Ancient Educational Ideals" by Thomas Davidson is a study of Aristotle's ideas about teaching and learning, set against the backdrop of ancient Greece. The book explores how different Greek schools worked before and during Aristotle's time. The author wants to show how Greek education was tied to what was happening in society and politics, and how Aristotle's ideas mirrored the thinking of his era. The book starts with the author explaining that he wants to give a complete history to help understand Aristotle's beliefs about education where he stresses that Greek education should be viewed in relation to the social conditions of the time. Key ideas, like balance in Greek life and education, are introduced. The book suggests that Aristotle's views were both a result of and a reaction to earlier educational ideas to give people insight into ancient Greek education and the virtues taught, including the goal of growing a well-rounded citizen.