Education has always been a powerful force for change, shaping both individuals and societies. This book, Shaping Minds: Philosophical Tides in the British Education, examines the philosophies that guided the development of education in Victorian Britain, as reflected in the timeless works of Victorian novelists especially in Charles Dickens. Through his vivid storytelling, Dickens not only entertained readers but also shed light on the pressing issues of his era, particularly the transformative impact of the Industrial Revolution and its implications for education. The Victorian period was marked by rapid social and economic shifts, driven by industrialization. These changes brought about significant challenges and opportunities, sparking a nationwide conversation about the purpose and scope of education. Dickens’s novels provide a unique window into this world, capturing both the struggles and aspirations of the time. This book unpacks these insights, connecting them to broader philosophical currents and exploring their relevance to today’s educational landscape. Writing this book has been a journey of discovery and reflection. It is fuelled by a passion for understanding how education shapes not just minds but the fabric of society itself. I am profoundly grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and friends who supported me throughout this process, as well as to my family for their patience and encouragement. Their guidance and belief in my work have been invaluable. This book is intended for anyone who shares a curiosity about the intersection of literature, history, ph... See more
Education has always been a powerful force for change, shaping both individuals and societies. This book, Shaping Minds: Philosophical Tides in the British Education, examines the philosophies that guided the development of education in Victorian Britain, as reflected in the timeless works of Victorian novelists especially in Charles Dickens. Through his vivid storytelling, Dickens not only entertained readers but also shed light on the pressing issues of his era, particularly the transformative impact of the Industrial Revolution and its implications for education. The Victorian period was marked by rapid social and economic shifts, driven by industrialization. These changes brought about significant challenges and opportunities, sparking a nationwide conversation about the purpose and scope of education. Dickens’s novels provide a unique window into this world, capturing both the struggles and aspirations of the time. This book unpacks these insights, connecting them to broader philosophical currents and exploring their relevance to today’s educational landscape. Writing this book has been a journey of discovery and reflection. It is fuelled by a passion for understanding how education shapes not just minds but the fabric of society itself. I am profoundly grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and friends who supported me throughout this process, as well as to my family for their patience and encouragement. Their guidance and belief in my work have been invaluable. This book is intended for anyone who shares a curiosity about the intersection of literature, history, philosophy and education. I hope that it sparks conversations about how we can learn from the past to address the challenges of the present and inspire future generations.
