The Utilitarian Educational Thought Of Franklin And Its Effect

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), was a famous American politician, scientist, educator philosopher and diplomat in the eighteenth century. He was one of the effective figures in American history. He advocated utilitarian education. He established the Philadelphia Academy, the "Junto" and the "American Philosophical Society", and set up a library. He made great contributions in American school education, adult education and social education. His utilitarian educational thought still have the value of reference.The purpose of Franklin's utilitarian educational thought was pursuing personal happiness and promoting social development. Franklin's utilitarian educational thought requested that education should cultivate pragmatic talents and should teach students pragmatic knowledge by scientific observations and experiments. The utilitarian educational thought of Franklin suited for the middle class, the common people and the negro slaves, it provided different education for different classes, and aimed at making everyone learns pragmatic knowledge.Franklin's utilitarian educational thought embodied the features of utility, secularity democracy and target. It laid the foundation of American educational traditions and had a great and profound effect on American education.