Idealism is a philosophical theory that views reality as essentially based in mental or spiritual concepts rather than material things. It originated in ancient India and Greece with philosophers like Plato emphasizing the human spirit and viewing the universe as ultimately nonmaterial. Major idealist philosophers included Socrates, Plato, Augustine, Descartes, Kant, and Berkeley. Idealism sees education's aim as developing the mind through searching for enduring truths and cultivating character. It favors inductive reasoning and uses methods like lecture, discussion, and Socratic dialogue to handle ideas.