Enlightenment:
Many of the modern beliefs about education can be traced to the enlightenment period. As new scientific theories challenged traditionally held beliefs, philosophers naturally began reexamine their concepts of knowledge and the human capacity to know. Several of the philosophers listed below stressed the importance of experience in their philosophies. Descartes’ has also been listed because of the many experiential educators who critics what they call his “formalist paradigm”.
Name |
Period |
Category | Organization Affiliation |
| Comenius, John Amos | enlightenment | Philosopher, Teacher | |
| Descartes, Rene' | enlightenment | Philosopher | |
| Locke, John | enlightenment | Philosopher | |
| Rousseau, Jean Jacques | enlightenment | Philosopher | |
| Williams, George | 19th century | Organizer | YMCA |