Basic PhilosophiesGroup II

Basic Philosophy

Background

7 Basic Philosophies(Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Perennialism,

Essentialism, Existentialism, Reconstructionism)

Definition of Philosophy

• A set of ideas, a system of values or a basic theory or viewpoint

• ". . .philosophy is merely an elucidated experience.“ (Merleau-Ponty, Phenomenology of Perception, p. 43:)

• The study of nature and meaning of the universe and of human life ((Oxford Dictionary, 6th Edition, p.872)

Educational Philosophy

• A philosophy about education requires systematic, critical thinking about educational practice.

• A teacher’s educational philosophy helps the educator interpret, find meaning, and direct the daily work of the classroom

(Educational Philosophy: The Intellectual Foundations of American Education)

7 Basic Philosophies

• Idealism

• Realism

• Pragmatism

• Perenialism

• Essentialism

• Existentialism

• Reconstructionism

Idealism

• Ideas or thoughts make up fundamental reality.

• Used to describe a person’s high ideals.

• Act or practice of envisioning things in their ideal form.

• The tendency to represent things in their ideal forms, rather than as they are.

Idealism

• The school’s function is to sharpen intellectual processes, to present the wisdom of the ages, and to present models of behaviour that are exemplary.

Realism

• The features of the universe exist whether or not a human being is there to perceive them. (Educational Philosophy: The Intellectual Foundations of American Education)

• A way of seeing, accepting and dealing with situations as they really are without being influenced by emotions or false hopes (Oxford Dictionary, 6th Edition, p.972)

Realism and Education

• Notions of the good life, truth, beauty could be answered through the study of ideas, using the dialectical method…for contemporary realists, the goal of education is to help individuals understand and apply the principles of science to help solve the problems plaguing the modern world

• Teachers should be steeped in the basic academic disciplines

Pragmatism

• "Pragmatism is a temper of mind, an attitude, it is also a theory of the nature of ideas and truth and finally it is a theory about reality.” (William James)

• from the Greek word “Pragma” which means Practice

Principles of pragmatism:

• Changing nature of truth

• Truth is constructed from experience

• Problems as the motives of truth

• Emphasis on social and democratic values

• Emphasis on the principle of utility

• Opposing to fixed ideals and values

• Importance of man power

• Importance of activity

• Faith in present and future

• Opposition to social customs and traditions

• Faith in pluralism

• Faith in flexibility

Principles of pragmatism:

Perennialism

• Aims to develop student’s intellectual and moral qualities

• Emphasize that students should not be taught information that may soon be outdated or found to be incorrect

• It is teacher-centered.• The teacher is not concern of

student’s interest.

Essentialism

• Essentialism is a conservative view of curriculum that holds schools responsible for only the most immediately needed instruction.

• Essentialism avoids some of the waste inherent with experimentalism

• But it can become so conservative that it fails to truly educate

Essentialism

• Emphasis on a traditional education

• Development of the mind

• Core curriculum

• Reality is based in the physical world

• Teacher-directed learning

Essentialism: Lessons

• Mathematics, National & World History

• No vocational education!

• Teach the basic civilized skills of reading, spelling , language arts and measuring.

• Limit education’s responsibility--let industry teach vocational subjects

Essentialism: Classroom Management

• Using only text books

• Seated row by row

• Teacher lecture, students listen

• Punishment--attempted behaviorism but without expertise

Essentialism: Evaluation

• Standardized tests • Writing test• Multiple choices• True/False• Binary-Choice• Matching

• Criterion referenced tests

• Not as likely to require portfolios

Essentialism: Vision

• All students will remember the basic information.

• All students will learn how to pass the test.

(faculty.atu.edu/swomack/Phil/Phil.PPT)

Existentialism

• Existentialists celebrate the human existence

• Very subjective

• Emphasis on meaning within each individual

• May doubt external reality

• Emphasis on present

Beliefs of Existentialist:

• Existentialists believe in the consciousness of the self

• They are very concerned with whether students find school to be a satisfying experience

• They will not teach the same subjects to everyone, since not everyone would enjoy the same things

Example of Existentialism

• 1960—Summerhill School in England

• 1970s in some parts of America—self esteem, values clarification

(faculty.atu.edu/swomack/Phil/Phil.PPT)

Reconstructionism

• school should take the lead in changing or reconstructing society

• reaction to the cold war climate and threat after WWII

• schools should both transmit knowledge about the existing social order but also seek to reconstruct it as well

Reconstructionism

• belief in bringing the community into the classroom

• actively seek to create a world wide democracy

Healthy Balance

• Each of the seven philosophies has something to offer

• The only hazard happens when one philosophy rules for a long period of time

• One should keep an open mind

Prepared by:

• John Jay Hendrix Dela Cruz

• Nadine Jean Hidalgo

• Marvin Amparado

• Royce Macabante

• Dynna Marie Vera

• Maryfranluna Fundador-Group II