Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Grace Veach

Second Advisor

Dr. Janet L. Deck

Third Advisor

Dr. James Shuls

Abstract

A philosophy of education consists of varying values and beliefs that coalesce to form a coherent and structured approach to curriculum and instruction. Today, a diverse number of philosophies exist, each with its own set of standards, priorities, and points of emphasis like intellectual and vocational development. However, philosophies emphasizing moral development as an integral feature of both intellectual and vocational development are not as popular. Although some forms of moral education exist, disagreements over its value, purpose, and implementation remain prevalent. The following qualitative study examined the works of Augustine of Hippo, a proponent of moral education, to identify his philosophy of education. Utilizing qualitative content analysis, themes within the works of Augustine concerning education were codified and used to form a narrative describing his philosophy of education. The study identified truth, morality, instruction, and teacher authority as the primary themes of his philosophy of education. Additionally, the sub-themes of scientia (knowledge) and sapientia (wisdom) and their relationship formed the core of his philosophy. The conclusion of this study is that Augustine’s philosophy of education provides a well-structured theory of learning that is able to harmonize the intellectual, vocational, and moral components of education via an external and objective standard.

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