A Historical Exploration through Ariès, Locke, and Rousseau’s Perspectives

Philippe Ariès, John Locke, and Jean Rousseau are three influential figures with distinct perspectives on childhood.

Ariès, a French historian, Locke, an English philosopher, and Rousseau, a French philosopher, each contributed unique ideas that shaped the understanding of childhood in different ways.

Ariès and Childhood

Ariès, in his work Centuries of Childhood, argued that the concept of childhood didn’t exist in the Middle Ages.

He believed that children were seen more as mini adults and were into adult activities early on.

Locke and Childhood

Locke, in contrast, viewed children as blank slates in his work Some Thoughts Concerning Education. He emphasized the role of environmental influences in shaping a child’s character.

Locke believed that education should be based on reason and experience, molding children into responsible and rational individuals.

Rousseau and Childhood

Rousseau, in his influential work Emile, or On Education, had a more idealistic view of childhood. He proposed that children are naturally good and that society affects them.

Rousseau thought it's good to let kids grow freely, trusting their feelings and learning through doing things instead of formal lessons.

In Summary

Ariès talked about how childhood changed over time, Locke liked teaching with reason and surroundings, and Rousseau believed kids are naturally good and should grow freely.

References

Ariès, P. (1962). Centuries of Childhood. Vintage Books.
Locke, J. (1693). Some Thoughts Concerning Education. Awnsham Churchill.
Rousseau, J.-J. (1762). Emile, or On Education. Gabriel Cramer.