From Aristotle to AI: The Role of Educational Philosophy in Shaping National Futures

Abstract

Education is the pillar of national development, social cohesion, and economic progress. However, all nations' education systems are different in nature, quality, and cost. The research compares the education systems of Pakistan, India, and the Western world on the basis of a model of dialectic debate to see their similarity and dissimilarity. The research is of qualitative nature, consisting of semi-structured interviews with 30 educationists; ten from each of Pakistan, India, and Europe. Interview content analysis and critical review of 200 sources suggest that the bifurcation within the educational system in Pakistan further intensifies socio-economic divides but in a vain attempt fails to achieve its stated purpose. India's policy-driven model, on the other hand, has raised the lower and the middle class, boosting institutional development. Western models of education in Europe and North America prioritize empirical research, skill creation, and inclusivity, which have been the most important drivers of economic development as well as social mobility. Research points out that Pakistan's current four-layered education system consisting of government schools, madrassas, middle-class private English-medium schools, and elite schools are deepening disparity rather than working towards national integration. India's NEP 2020 demonstrates the effectiveness of systematic policy action in literacy rates and employability in labor markets, while Western nations focus on empirical research based, competence-based schooling to equip students for active labor markets. The respondents point out the strong imperative that Pakistan needs a National Unified Education Policy so that there is an integrated, integral system of schooling for all kids up to the secondary level. Otherwise, the large and ever-increasing number of people in Pakistan will continue to generate economic and security challenges within and outside Pakistan, with effects on labor markets, migrant flows, and geopolitical stability. The study concludes that an integrated education system in Pakistan based on India and the West has the capacity to propel institutional building, economic mobility, and social cohesiveness. Policy remedies are increased budgetary allocations towards education, teacher certification programs, curriculum reform, and e-learning to bridge the rural-urban divide. The research follows that if prompt action is not taken, Pakistan's ailing education system will not only hinder nation-building but also leave permanent marks on the security environment in the world and global economy.