Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

It poses little difficulty to argue in support of Plato that every child grows under the tutelage of a teacher. Nevertheless, one may ask, what is the significance of Plato’s philosophy on the Education? How does Plato’s philosophy connect with educational theory and practice? To Plato, the role of a teacher can never be over emphasized in the development of any nation. This is because, at any level of Education, such as primary, secondary, colleges, technical institutions and universities, one is bound to come in contact with specialised professionals whose responsibility is to promote teaching and learning while at the same time parents, pastors, friends and others also serve as teachers informally. However, can a teacher be sure that what he is imparting to the younger ones is knowledge and not just his own opinion? Highet Gilbert (1989) in his research on the Art of Teaching submitted that one of the forces which have helped to make our civilization is the influence of teachers who aim at the achievement of learning. Based on this, the paper attempts a critique of Plato’s philosophy of education with reference to the Meno as a model.

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