IDEAS OF UTILITARIANISM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN THE USA

This article deals with the development of educational system in the USA. American system of education has a long period of development. Today it is well known and successful. Its theoretical background may be used in reformation of Ukrainian system of education. American education is based on different scientific conceptions and ideas. Among them is Utilitarianism as an effort to provide an answer to the practical question: What ought a man to do? Its answer is that he ought to act so as to produce the best consequences possible. The ingredients of Utilitarianism are found in the ancient history (in the early 5-th century). The main ideas of this theory were developed during the 18-th – 20-th century. Representatives of Utilitarianism have supported democracy as a way of making the interest of government coincide with the general interest; they have argued for the greatest individual liberty compatible with an equal liberty for others on the ground that each individual is generally the best judge of its own welfare; and they have believed in the possibility and the desirability of progressive social change through peaceful political process. As a movement for the democracy, liberty and reform of social institutions, including schools, 19-th century Utilitarianism was remarkably successful in the long run. Most of their recommendations have since been implemented unless abandoned by the reformers themselves; and equally important, utilitarian arguments are now commonly employed to advocate institutional or policy changes. Among well known representatives of Utilitarianism was American scientist, specialist in philosophy and pedagogy - John Dewey. He is also known as an initiator of such scientific direction as pragmatism. He declared the idea of utility of practical knowledge in education, believed in progressive education and equal rights of all people to be educated. The influence of the ideas of Utilitarianism has been widespread all over the world. Its significance in political and economical life is especially notable as well as in education.