The Concept of Growth in Bertrand Russell 's Educational Thought

Abstract

This paper analyses the concept of growth in Bertrand Russell's educational thought. The aim is to show that, while Russell's concept is inexact in comparison with those of Whitehead and Dewey, it incorporates a humanistic conception of the individual based on his unique capacities. Education only succeeds in developing these in an atmosphere of freedom at observes the principle of reverence. Reverence goes beyond the simple non-interference implied by the principle of liberty of traditional liberalism and requires an active caring and nurturing on the part of the adult educator.