Revisiting the Aspects of Arnold’s Philosophy of Culture and Education

Abstract

The present article examines the fundamental principles and ideas that underpin Matthew Arnold's views on culture and education, highlighting his profound influence on Victorian thought and beyond. It outlines Arnold's conception of culture as the pursuit of perfection and sweetness and light, through the study and appreciation of the best that has been thought and said. The paper explores Arnold's argument that culture is a powerful agent for societal improvement, capable of elevating human spirit and mitigating the harshness of industrial society. Furthermore, it analysis Arnold's educational philosophy, which advocates for a broad, humanistic curriculum that emphasizes moral and intellectual development over practical skills, arguing that education should aim to cultivate thoughtful, informed citizens. The article assesses the impact of Arnold's ideas on contemporary education and culture, critiquing their relevance and application in today's context. Through a detailed analysis, the article presents Arnold's philosophy as a holistic approach to education and culture, one that seeks to harmonize the individual's inner life with the outer demands of society. The question of access to education has always been at the forefront of class struggle.  Capitalist societies have privileged kind of schools’– a hierarchy of schools. The schools available to most wage and salary earners are largely provided by the state, an organization which exercises power on behalf of the ruling class. Matthew Arnold was one of the inspectors of elementary schools under Her Majesty’s reign, and remained in his post for nearly thirty-five years. He brought forth his opinion about the relevant role of the State in education. He was concerned primarily with the educational rights of the middle class. He cherished the hope of improving society through its educational institutions. He believed that the object of education was growth and promotion of culture. The education in his opinion was an instrument of general civilization. Arnold was undoubtedly a ‘man of culture’. He was a critic of society. Culture, in his opinion, could be the remedy against the malady of anarchy.