Over the past several months, I have seen some classical philosophers tied to the name of Charlotte Mason in an effort to show that her philosophy is based on and part of the classical tradition. This notion puzzled me. I had never noticed Miss Mason mention any of these philosophers as inspiration for her work. …
Charlotte Mason’s final book, first published in 1925, is entitled An Essay Towards a Philosophy of Education: A Liberal Education For All. By choosing this title, Mason indicates that her philosophy of education is not just any kind of education; it is a liberal education. But what is a liberal education? A leading Christian Classical …
I am always interested in reading what people write about Charlotte Mason. Much is said about Mason’s method, much is said about her life, and much is said about her writing. But I am especially interested when someone writes about Mason’s beliefs. That is why I was struck by this sentence in Issue #4 of …
Over the past several months, I have written several articles which discuss the relationship between Charlotte Mason’s theory of education and the classical tradition. Some of these articles have appeared here and other articles have appeared on the blog of the Charlotte Mason Institute. Some people have wondered why I write so frequently about this …
Author’s note: I wrote this article on July 3, 2008 in response to an article I read by a classical educator who wrote, “After studying Charlotte Mason’s six volumes, a Christian should conclude that her educational philosophy is not for the children’s sake.” Recently someone shared with me an article by Aimee Natal entitled, “Charlotte Mason: …
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3, RSV2CE) In Jesus’ High Priestly prayer, He reveals for all time the true nature of life. It is to know God, in all his Triune glory. Centuries later, Thomas Aquinas would comment on …
“They have believed that when He described the Comforter whom He would send from the Father, as the Spirit of Truth, He was not speaking of a relation, or of a property of their conceptions, but of a living and personal Teacher and Guide.”[1] (F. D. Maurice) The tourist who visits the city of Florence …
Maria Montessori was an educational theorist who lived from 1870 to 1952. She wrote several books about education which give specific guidance for educators of all ages of children, from the infant to the university student. As a committed Christian, she articulated ideas that reflect her Christian world view. A close look at Montessori’s theory …
Charlotte Mason was modest until the end. Even the title of her magnum opus first published in 1925 reflects that modesty: Towards a Philosophy of Education. It is important that we interpret Mason’s writings in light of her modesty. For example, consider Mason’s message for the June, 1894 Annual Meeting of the P.N.E.U. It may …