Herbart’s Recognition Theory of Basic Figures: Through a Comparison with Pestalozzi’s Learning Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to re-construct Herbart’s recognition theory of basic figures in comparison with Pestalozzi’s recognition theory. It is shown that Pestalozzi’s ideas were based on Kant’s philosophy as follows; ‘number’ corresponds to the concept of ‘time’, and ‘figure’ to the concept of ‘space’. Herbart’s ideas were based on ‘combination theory’ or trigonometry, which was popular in Europe during the 19th century. Therefore, Pestalozzi decided on a square as the basic figure, whereas Herbart chose a triangle. We could therefore draw an outline of Herbart’s recognition theory of basic figures by using the perspectives for discussing Pestalozzi’s learning theory as follows; (1) Method of positional decision, (2) Use of construction materials, (3) Importance of naming.