Which term describes the belief that education should focus on timeless truths and universal principles?

The belief that education should focus on timeless truths and universal principles is encapsulated in the term Perennialism. This philosophy argues that certain ideas and values are enduring and should be emphasized in education to help students understand fundamental truths that transcend time and culture.

Perennialists advocate for a curriculum that includes classical works and philosophies, asserting that these texts and ideas have stood the test of time and continue to hold relevance in the development of critical thinking and moral reasoning. The central aim of Perennialism is to cultivate intellectual and moral virtues that are universally applicable, allowing students to engage with the core questions of human existence.

In contrast, other philosophies like Humanism prioritize individual needs and personal growth, Progressivism focuses on practical skills and adapting education to social changes, and Behaviorism emphasizes observable behavior and external stimuli in the learning process. Each of these approaches has different objectives and foundations, which differentiates them from the core tenets of Perennialism.