Mücahit DAĞDELEN

Ömer Faruk ŞEKER

The Enlightenment Period, which represents an important paving stone and potential ground in the history of thought, is an important projection for the following periods. The function of this task continues today. The leading actor and representative of this importance is J. J. Rousseau, who significantly contributed to education. In his book "Emile," Rousseau evaluated child education from different and unknown perspectives for his time. In this evaluation, important criticisms were directed at the existing positivist education system of the era. It was not accepted then and became the target of various fronts. In "Emile," which was unique and original for its time and is the most referenced work today, "Nature education," which forms the basis of his educational philosophy, means the beginning of effective learning for children. However, in his work, Rousseau mostly addressed boys' education and offered limited suggestions on girls' education. Starting with the education of boys, which he shaped according to the understanding of naturalism, he reflected his thoughts by examining the mental, moral, sexual and religious development of the individual who gained autonomy from this perspective. The idea that girls would adapt to the "Wife" who grew up with this understanding was dominant. Although he was criticized due to the examples given in his works and subsequent research, he was an influential and influential philosopher of his period. This study examines Rousseau's understanding of education, various educational philosophies, his views on child development and his contribution.

Keywords: Education, education policies, child development, Rousseau, naturalism