Education as an agent of social evolution: the educational projects of Patrick Geddes in late-Victorian Scotland

Sutherland, D. (2009) Education as an agent of social evolution: the educational projects of Patrick Geddes in late-Victorian Scotland. History of Education, 38(3), pp. 349-365. (doi: 10.1080/00467600902838120)

Abstract

This paper examines the educational projects of Patrick Geddes in late‐Victorian Scotland. Initially a natural scientist, Geddes drew on an eclectic mix of social theory to develop his own ideas on social evolution. For him education was a vital agent of social change which, he believed, had the potential to develop active citizens whose interdisciplinary learning would enable them to identify and promote progressive social trends. Something of an academic outsider, Geddes believed that the higher education system in his native Scotland was moving away from the generalist, holistic approach to education he favoured and became a fervent critic of the university establishment. He also initiated two educational experiments – university extension and the Edinburgh summer schools – which he hoped would validate his educational philosophy. Although the success of these experiments was undoubtedly limited, some of his ideas arguably have currency in contemporary educational thought.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sutherland, Dr Douglas
• Authors: Sutherland, D.
• Subjects: L Education > LA History of education
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: History of Education
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0046-760X