| The problem of this study involves a critical content analysis of Buddhist philosophy and its implications for education as represented and advanced by the three Thai Buddhist scholars, namely, Professors Saroj Buasri, Amnuay Tapingkae and Chittakorn Tangkasemsuk. The major purpose of this study has been to investigate the development of Buddhist philosophy of education in Thailand based on the observations of three Thai Buddhist scholars. Since the interest and character of this dissertation is philosophical and not historical, the primary mode of research used in this study has been analytic and explicative.; In order to provide an essential background in Buddhism, a brief history of Buddhism has been provided; the differences between two Buddhist schools of thought, Hinayana and Mahayana, have been analyzed; and finally a more extensive discussion on the essence of Buddhism has been offered.; Three aspects of Buddhist Philosophy, namely, the metaphysical, epistemological, and axiological have been investigated through a critical content analysis as well as thought on the educational implications of Buddhist philosophy. Buddhist philosophy of education as represented and advanced by the three Thai Buddhist scholars has been investigated according to the following outline: The meaning and purpose of education, the learner and the learning process, the teacher and the teaching process, and the theory of curriculum.; This study has suggested that Buddhism can be studied as a systematic philosophy. Buddhism as a philosophy, although not highly developed, possesses a body of knowledge in all three divisions of philosophy, namely, metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology. Buddhism as a philosophy of education provides substantive philosophical and practical guidelines for the educative process, the purpose of education, theory of the learner and the teaching process, theory of the teacher and the teaching process, as well as a theory of curriculum.; Some problems and issues relating to formulating and implementing Buddhism-based education in Thailand have been raised. Some possible ways of dealing with the problems and issues have been proposed, as well as suggestions for further study. |
