The Philosophy of Upbringing throughout Historical Periods with Emphasis on the Role of Fathers and Mothers

We investigate the philosophical conception of upbringing during different historical periods in the cultures of the Western world considering the role of mothers and fathers in raising children within the family.The starting... [ view full abstract ]

We investigate the philosophical conception of upbringing during different historical periods in the cultures of the Western world considering the role of mothers and fathers in raising children within the family.

The starting point is the classical period and we present the ideas of ancient thinkers who believe that upbringing serves to achieve the social and national objectives whereas the role of the mother is crucial in the early child rearing. The Middle Ages shows the dominant influence of the Church in defining the upbringing value and, again, the importance of mother's and not father’s role in the upbringing of children in the family. Throughout the Renaissance and modern age, the great renaissance philosophers bring out some new and advanced insights on upbringing and the functioning of the child together with early modern pioneers of humanistic approach who advocate upbringing and education in accordance with the child's interests and abilities. Whereas in this period woman are considered to be an emotional beings and the man is seen as a rational being, there is still a belief that mothers are more appropriate than fathers in the upbringing and education of young children. Finally, we consider the approach of contemporary philosophy of education through the ideas of humanistic thinkers who see the meaning of upbringing and education in a personal self-realization. Although the increased women emancipation makes one of the features of modern age and albeit we can notice the greater involvement of fathers’ in child care at the end of the 20th century, it seems that mothers remain the main bearers of upbringing in the family.  

Key words: philosophy of upbringing, upbringing, mothers, fathers