Unit 3

Philosophy of Education and Personal Philosophy

of Teaching

Prof Ed 2 – THE TEACHING PROFESSION

What is Philosophy of Education ?

Philosophy of education is the branch of practical

philosophy concerned with the nature of education, as
well as the philosophical issues that can arise from
educational theory and practice. The major philosophies
of education can be divided into three main types:
teacher-centered philosophies, student-centered
philosophies,and society-centered philosophies.
Why Is It Important For Teachers to Study Philosophy of Education ?

●The field of education is constantly evolving, and teachers need to stay

ahead of the curve to ensure their students are receiving the best possible
education. One way to do this is to become well-versed in the philosophy
of education.
By understanding the history and theories behind education, teachers can
gain a deeper understanding of their role and the impact they have on
their students. With this knowledge, teachers can develop a teaching style
that best supports their students’ needs. They can also better identify any
gaps in their students’ knowledge and adjust their curriculum
accordingly. By unlocking the power of philosophy, teachers can gain
invaluable insight into their profession and their students’ learning.
The Importance of Philosophy of Education :

● The philosophy of education is important because it provides a basis for

understanding the nature and purpose of education. It allows us to consider the
questions that are at the heart of education, such as: What is the purpose of
education? How should students be taught? What knowledge and skills should
students be taught? How should students be assessed?

●It also allows us to examine the impact of different educational theories and
practices on students’ learning. It helps us to consider the ethical and moral
implications of educating students, and to think about the role of technology in
education. By understanding the philosophy of education, teachers can gain
valuable insight into their profession and their students’ learning.
WESTERN PHILOSOPHIES

● Idealism – refers to the doctrine that knowable reality is ultimately constituted by ideas. Or in other
words, as humans learn about their world, they become acquinted with ideas and not, for instance, some
mind-independent material.

What is an example of philosophical idealism?

One example of philosophical idealism is the theory of George Berkeley. Berkeley held that to be is to be
perceived, and all objects exist only in their being perceived by an active mind. Thus, he was not only an
idealist but also an empiricist, since he claimed that all knowledge comes from the senses.

● Realism - is the view that an object or thing really exists and has certain attributes,
independently of what people think about it. In other words, realism is the view that an object or
thing has mind-independent reality.

Example of realism in philosophy is the belief that there is a real, external world that exists
independently of our perceptions or beliefs about it. Realists argue that there are objective truths
about the world that are not dependent on human thought or language. This contrasts with
philosophical positions such as idealism, which holds that reality is ultimately mental or
constructed by the mind.
WESTERN PHILOSOPHIES

● Pragmatism/Experimentalism - Pragmatism refers to experimental, empirical, and

purposive thought “based on and applying to experience.” In the philosophy of education, the
notion that children learn by doing, that critical standards of procedure and understanding emerge
from the application of concepts to directly experienced subject matters, has …

How do teachers apply pragmatism?

Teachers can apply pragmatism by making their learning practical. Any time they teach a
topic they should help students understand its real-world applications. They can also have
students practice or experience new skills or situations.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

● Hinduism - is the belief in a cosmic principle of ultimate reality called brahman and its
identity with the individual soul, or atman. All creatures go through a cycle of rebirth, or samsara,
which can be broken only by spiritual self-realization, after which liberation, or moksha, is
attained.

Common examples of Hindus are certain beliefs, including, but not limited to, the following:
-a belief in many gods, which are seen as manifestations of a single unity. These
deities are linked to universal and natural processes.
-a preference for one deity while not excluding or disbelieving others
-a belief in the universal law of cause and effect (karma) and reincarnation
-a belief in the possibility of liberation and release (moksha) by which the endless cycle of birth,
death, and rebirth (samsara) can be resolved
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

● Buddhism - The goal of Buddhism is to become enlightened and reach nirvana. Nirvana is
believed to be attainable only with the elimination of all greed, hatred, and ignorance within a
person. Nirvana signifies the end of the cycle of death and rebirth.

Examples of Buddhism : 1) Sacrifice of material comforts and luxuries was of prime

importance under the Buddhist system of education. 2) Viharas or Buddhist monasteries
were the centers of education. 3) Students underwent an ordination ceremony (“pabbajja”)
after which they had to lead a novitiate life for 12 years.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

● Confucianism - The core of Confucian educational philosophy is how we learn to be human.

Human beings are the ends not the means. Confucius believed that the ultimate end of learning
was to realize the true nature of human beings – become fully human. We are all human beings.

Example : One reason those in charge were expected to live by the five constant virtues is that the
Confucian concept of government involves leading by example. The belief was that if individuals
in the government are virtuous, their subjects will be virtuous as well.

● Taoism – is a religious tradition that began in China about 2,500 years ago, at about the same
time Confucius lived. Taoism is a spiritual philosophy that focuses on a person’s outlook on life
and the world around them. Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a Chinese Philosophy attributed to
Lao Tzu which developed from the folk religion of the primarily in the rural areas of China and
became the official religion of the country under the Tang Dynasty.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

Example :
-institutions are regarded with suspicion
-Education is a solo quest without walls or boundaries.
- Taoist seeks to understand the naturalness of everything as its exist in the present.
-Taoist tries to understand the whole, for the whole is the Tao.
For example : We can say that we know someone, but we do not understand them. But to say we
understand someone is that not better that saying that we know them ?

● Zen Buddhism - is a school of Buddhism which emphasises the practice of meditation

as the key ingredient to awakening ones inner nature, compassion and wisdom. The
practice of meditation (Zen in Japanese) as a means of attaining enlightenment was
introduced, as we have seen, by the Buddha himself.

Example : The Buddhist philosophy of education centers on the physical, mental, moral,
and intellectual development of every person. Buddhist education also has a philosophy to
make every person free, wise, intelligent, moral, non-violent, and secular.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

● Christian Philosophy - The emphasis of Christian education is God's truth; humanistic materials
are only to be used to teach truth by contrast. The lifestyle taught is that of pleasing Christ from the
heart, not simple conformance with man-made laws. Students must learn the biblical relationship
between morality and
spirituality.
Examples: :
▪ When elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges and universities, are guided by a
Christian philosophy of education, there is more to daily assignments than Bible study and more to the
environment than dress codes and disciplinary policies. The Christian philosophy of education
encompasses all areas of the educational life of students, including core subject curriculum, character
building and practical living, both now and in the future.
▪ Children who attend Christian schools have the same variety of personalities, talents,
interests and abilities as children who attend public schools. The difference between a
Christian school and a public school lies in the foundation of the curriculum and the way in
which the social and emotional needs of the students are met. The mission statements and
vision of Christian schools include many of the same academic standards and life-skill
training as public schools. However, every element of the school day promotes Christ-
centered learning and living.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

● Saracen Philosophy - aimed to search for knowledge, application of scientific. facts and to develop the
individual's initiative and social welfare – liberal. education in its truest sense.

These Saracens, located in the northern Hejaz, were described as people with a certain military ability who
were opponents of the Roman Empire and who were classified by the Romans as barbarians. The Saracens are
described as forming the equites from Phoenicia and Thamud.

CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES

● Perennialism - Derived from the word perennial, which means to endure the test of time,
perennialism in education means to teach what is everlasting. Just as perennial plants last for years, a
perennial curriculum focuses on principles that have been constant throughout human history.
Perennialists believe that the focus of education should be the ideas that have lasted over centuries.
They believe the ideas are as relevant and meaningful today as when they were written. They
recommend that students learn from reading and analyzing the works by history's finest thinkers and
writers.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES

● Essentialism - Essentialism in education asserts that common and essential ideas. and skills
belonging to a certain culture should be taught to all citizens at the same level at
especially. primary school level. To do this, the teacher's authority in the classroom is emphasized
and the subject. matter is the centre of the curriculum.

Example :
Educational essentialism is an educational philosophy whose adherents believe that children should learn the
traditional basic subjects thoroughly. In this philosophical school of thought, the aim is to instill students with
the "essentials" of academic knowledge, enacting a back-to-basics approach.

1) In teaching English subject, the teacher should introduce the four fundamental skills such as : Writing,
Reading, Speaking, and Listening
2) In teaching Mathematics subject, the teacher should introduce first the four fundamental skills such as :
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES

● Existentialism - advocates an education that helps the individual living an existential life.
Existentialistic aims of education include development of authenticity, self realization, choice
making power, responsibility, ability to face tragic situations, social adjustability and uniqueness in
child.

▪ Existentialism is the philosophical belief we are each responsible for creating purpose or meaning
in our own lives. Our individual purpose and meaning is not given to us by Gods, governments,
teachers or other authorities.

▪ Existentialist philosophy encompasses a range of perspectives, but it shares certain underlying

concepts. Among these, a central tenet of existentialism is that personal freedom, individual
responsibility, and deliberate choice are essential to the pursuit of self-discovery and the
determination of life's meaning.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES

● Progressivism - As a political movement, progressivism seeks to advance the human

condition through social reform based on purported advancements in science, technology, and
social organization. Adherents hold that progressivism has universal application and endeavor to
spread this idea to human societies everywhere.

▪ Progressive education is a response to traditional methods of teaching. It is defined as an

educational movement which gives more value to experience than formal learning. It is based
more on experiential learning that concentrate on the development of a child's talents.

▪ What is the role of a teacher in a progressive education ?

Progressivists view teachers as a facilitator in the classroom. As the facilitator, the teacher directs
the students learning, but the students voice is just as important as that of the teacher. For this
reason, progressive education is often equated with student-centered instruction.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES

● Social Reconstruction - is a philosophy that emphasizes the addressing of social questions

and a quest to create a better society and worldwide democracy. Reconstructionist educators focus
on a curriculum that highlights social reform as the aim of education.

▪ What is the social reconstructionist approach to teacher education ?

The goal of the social reconstructionist is to prepare teachers to take part intelligently in the
management of the conditions in which they live, foster cooperation not competition, develop
critical thinking, and become transformative intellectuals, in an effort to advocate for counter
hegemonic teaching.

▪ Why is social reconstruction important in education ?

Social reconstruction in education has the primary goal of making the world a better place
to live, for all. By instilling the proper values and beliefs in students, those attributes will
spread throughout society and become ingrained in the fabric of the nation.