Name: JAYSON B.
BELLO
Address: Purok 3, Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur
Station: Binucayan National High School
Major: SPECIAL EDUCATION
Assignment Number: 1
Date: July 10, 2022
SUBJECT: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
1. What is Philosophy?
Quite literally, the term philosophy means,”the love of wisdom”. In a broad
sense, philosophy is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand
fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their
relationships to the world and to each other.According to Aristotle Philosophy is a
science which discovers the real nature of supernatural elements. Levison also
stated that, “Philosophy is a mental activity”. The father of western philosophy
Socrates stated that,” Philosophy is a daily activity”.
2. What is Education?
Education is the deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort to transmit, provoke or acquire knowledge,
values, attitudes, skills or sensibilities as well as any learning that results from the effort. This broad-
based definition indicates that education is a purposeful activity. The word “education” is reserved for
frameworks created with the considered and conscious intent to educate. This definition also
understands education as a process and not a place. It is a purposeful activity that can happen within a
wide range of frameworks and not only in buildings called schools. Moreover, this intentional activity
does not only transmit knowledge, but it also is concerned with values, attitudes, skills, and sensibilities.
Education is an activity which takes place in many diverse venues and is intended to develop knowledge,
understanding, valuing, growing, caring, and behaving. It can happen “when you sit in your house, and
when you go on the way, and when you lie down and when you rise” (Deuteronomy, 6:7). While
contemporary societies have denoted schools as the agency responsible for education, in fact, education
far transcends the certificates of achievement received from pre-school, elementary, secondary, and
collegiate frameworks.
3. What is the Scope of Philosophy of Education
The scope of philosophy of education is confined to the field ofeducation. Thus, it is philosophy
in the field of education. The scope of philosophy of education is concerned with the problems
of education.
These problems mainly include -
• interpretation of human nature, the world and the universe and theirrelation with man,
•interpretation of aims and ideals of education,
•the relationship of various components of the system of education,
•relationship of education and various areas of national life [economicsystem, political order,
social progress, cultural reconstructions etc.],
•educational values,
•theory of knowledge and its relationship to education.The above mentioned problems
constitute the scope of philosophyof education and explain its nature. Thus, the scope of
philosophy ofeducation includes following.
a] Aims and Ideals of Education PhilosophyE
ducation critically evaluates the different aims and ideals ofeducation. These aims and ideals
have been prorogated by various philosophers in different times. They are character building,
man making,harmonious human development, preparation for adult life,
-developmentof citizenship,
- utilization of leisure, training for civic life, training forinternational living, achieving social and
national integration, -scientificand technological development, education for all, equalizing
educationalopportunities, strengthening democratic political order and human
sourcedevelopment.
These and other aims of education presented by educationalthinkers in different times and
climes are scrutinized and evaluated. Thus, philosophy of education critically evaluates different
aims and ideals ofeducation to arrive at.
b] Interpretation of Human Nature:-A philosophical
picture of human nature is a result of thesynthesis of the facts borrowed from all the human
science with the valuesdiscussed in different normative, sciences. The philosophical
picture,therefore, is more broad as compared to the picture of man drawn by biology, sociology,
psychology, economics and anthropology and otherhuman science.
c)Educational Values:-
Value is typically a philosophical subject since it is more abstract,integral and universal.
Philosophy-of education not only criticallyevaluates the values but also systematizes them in a
hierarchy. Educationalvalues are' determined by philosophical values. Educational values
propagated by different philosophers have been derived from their ownworld, view and their
outlook on the purpose of human life. Therefore, ascrutiny of the world views, outlook, beliefs is
the specific function of philosophy and it is necessary for the philosophical treatment of
thevalues.
d] Theory of Knowledge:-
Education is related to knowledge. It is determined by the source,limits, criteria and means of
knowledge. The discussion of all these fallswithin the jurisdiction of epistemology, one of the
branches of philosophy,therefore, an important area of the functioning of philosophy of
educationis related to theory of knowledge.
e] Relationship of education and various area of national life andvarious components of the
system of education:-
One of the most important contributions of the philosophy ofeducation to the cause of
education is the provision of criteria for decidingthe relationship of state and education,
economic system and education,curriculum, school organization and management, discipline
etc. These problems have led to the evaluation of different philosophies of education.The
criteria of judgment everywhere are determined by philosophy,therefore, philosophy of
education provides the criteria for criticalevaluation and judgment in these fields.
1.1.6 Nature of Philosophy of Education
Philosophy of education is one of the areas of applied philosophy. Thereare three branches of
philosophy namely 'metaphysics, epistemology andaxiology.
Metaphysics
is a branch of philosophy that investigates principles ofreality transcending those of any
particular science. It is concernedwith explaining the fundamental nature of being and the
world.
Metaphysics is the study of the nature of things. Metaphysicians askwhat kinds of things exist,
and what they are like. They reason aboutsuch things as whether or not people have free will, in
what senseabstract objects can be said to exist, and how it is that brains are ableto generate
minds.Axiology: the branch of philosophical enquiry that explores:
Aesthetics: the study of basic philosophical questions aboutartand beauty. Sometimes
philosophy of artis used to describe onlyquestions about art, with "aesthetics" the more general
term.Likewise "aesthetics" sometimes applied even more broadly thanto "philosophy of beauty"
:to the "sublime," to humour, to thefrightening--to any of the responses we might expect works
of artor entertainment to elicit.
Ethics: the study of what makes actions right or wrong, and ofhow theories of right action can
be applied to special moral problems. Subdisciplines includemeta-ethics, value theory, theory of
conduct, and applied ethics. Epistemology is the branch of philosophythat studies knowledge.It
attempts to answer the basic question: what distinguishes true (adequate)knowledgefrom false
(inadequate) knowledge? Practically, this questiontranslates into issues of scientific
methodology: how can one developtheories or models that are better than competing theories?
It also formsone of the pillars of the new sciences of cognition, which developed fromthe
information processing approach to psychology, and from artificialintelligence, as an attempt to
develop computer programs that mimic ahuman's capacity to use knowledge in an intelligent
way. When we look atthe history of epistemology, we can discern a clear trend, in spite of
theconfusion of many seemingly contradictory positions. The first theories ofknowledge
stressed its absolute, permanent character, whereas the latertheories put the emphasis on its
relativity or situation-dependence, itscontinuous development or evolution, and its active
interference with theworld and its subjects and objects. The whole trend moves from a static,
passive view of knowledge towards a more and more adaptive and activeone.As you can tell, the
different branches of philosophy overlap oneanother. A philosopher considering whether
people ought to give excesswealth to the poor is asking an ethical question. However,
hisinvestigations might lead him to wonder whether or not standards of rightand wrong are
built into the fabric of the universe, which is a metaphysicalquestion. If he claims that people are
justified in taking a particular stanceon that question, he is making at least a tacit
epistemological claim. Atevery step in his reasoning, he will want to employ logic to minimize
the chance of being led into error by the great complexity and obscurity of thequestions. He
may very well look to some of the ethical, metaphysical,and epistemological writings of past
philosophers to see how his brightest predecessors reasoned about the matter.Aspects of each
branch of philosophy can be studied in isolation, but philosophical questions have a way of
leading to other philosophicalquestions, to the point that a full investigation of any particular
problem islikely eventually to involve almost the whole of the philosophicalenterprise.One view
on education believes or subscribes to the view that philosophy of education comes under the
umbrella of axiology. As a branch of philosophy it utilizes philosophical methods for the solution
of philosophical problems with a philosophical attitude to arrive at philosophical conclusion. In
this comprehensive process it includes factsconcerning education and synthesizes them with
values. The other schoolof thought believes that education as a discipline utilizes or needs
toincorporate all modes of philosophical inquiry; metaphysical, axiologicaland epistemological.
As individuals involved in the process of educationright from the aims, purpose, functions and
building theory we need tolook at any body of knowledge or generate new knowledge based on
thethree modes of philosophical inquiry.
4. What is the Function of Philosophy of Education?
Philosophy of education performs various functions. They area discussed below:
a] Determining the aims of education
Philosophy of education provides original ideas regarding allaspects of education particularly
educational aims. It is said thateducational philosophy gives different views, but this situation is
notharmful, rather it helps in providing education according to the need ofsociety. The
difference in view of philosophy of education reflects themultiplicity and diversities of human
life. Philosophy of education guidesthe process of education by suggesting suitable aims from
the diversitiesof life and selecting the means accordingly.
b] Harmonizing old and new traditions in the field of education-
In the process of social development the old traditions becomeoutdated for the people. They
are replaced by the new traditions. But this process of replacement is not always smooth. It is
faced with lots ofopposition from certain orthodox sections of the society. At the same timeit
must be kept in mind that every 'old' is not outdated and every 'new' is not perfect Therefore,
there is a need of co-coordinating the two in orderto maintain the harmony between both. This
function can be performed by philosophy of education.
c] Providing the educational planners, administrators and educatorswith the progressive vision
to achieve educational development:-
Spencer has rightly pointed that only a true philosopher can give a practical shape to education.
Philosophy of education provides theeducational planners, administrators and educators with
the right visionwhich guides them to attain the educational goals efficiently.
d] Preparing the young generation to face the challenges of themodern time:-
Social commentators have given many labels to the present periodof history for some it is the
information age and for others it is postmodernity, later modernity, high modernity or even the
age of uncertainty.One more addition to this list may be that 'present age is an age
ofGlobalization as a phenomenon arrived on the economic scene in the 1990in India. This
watchword has had its implications in the social political,economic fabric of the country of which
education is a part. Philosophy ofeducation is a guiding, steering and liberating force that helps
young people to and society at large to face the challenges of the modern time.
5. Relationship of Philosophy of Teaching and Teaching Styles
Philosophy is at the heart of curriculum development. It helps educators in formulating beliefs,
arguments, and assumptions and in making value judgments. The philosophy of Education and
teaching styles are two aspects of learning that influence the teaching-learning transaction in
the schools and learning environment. The educational philosophy can inform the educator with
strategies and methods for implementing learning principles.
6. What is Philosophy of Education in terms of reality?
Philosophy is a system of beliefs about reality. It is integrated view of the world. It includes an
understanding of the nature of existence, humankind, and its role in the world. Philosophy is the
foundation of knowledge. It provides premises by which man can discover truth, and uses his
mind to support his life. In conclusion we can say that philosophy is a critical examination of
reality characterized by rational inquiry that aims at the truth for the sake of attaining wisdom.
7. What is Philosophy of Education in terms of theories?
Philosophy of education is the branch of applied or practical philosophy concerned with the
nature and aims of education and the philosophical problems arising from educational theory
and practice. Because that practice is ubiquitous in and across human societies, its social and
individual manifestations so varied, and its influence so profound, the subject is wide-ranging,
involving issues in ethics and social/political philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy
of mind and language, and other areas of philosophy. Because it looks both inward to the parent
discipline and outward to educational practice and the social, legal, and institutional contexts in
which it takes place, philosophy of education concerns itself with both sides of the traditional
theory/practice divide.
8. What is the Philosophy of Education in terms of the meaning of life?
Education is a lifetime process with no true beginning or ending. Education consists of
experience, environment, socialisation and communication. According to John Dewey;
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” It is through education that you
can change the face of the world.
9. What is the Philosophy of Education in terms of being a human?
The study of philosophy helps us to enhance our ability to solve problems, our communication
skills, our persuasive powers, and our writing skills. It helps us to analyze concepts, definitions,
arguments, and problems. It contributes to our capacity to organize ideas and issues, to deal
with questions of value, and to extract what is essential from large quantities of information. It
helps us, on the one hand, to distinguish fine and subtle differences between views and, on the
other hand, to discover common ground between opposing positions. It also helps us to
synthesize a variety of views or perspectives into one unified whole. It provides some of the
basic tools of self-expression - for instance, skills in presenting ideas through well-constructed,
systematic arguments - that other fields either do not use or use less extensively. Philosophy
helps us express what is distinctive in our views, it enhances our ability to explain difficult
material, and it helps us to eliminate ambiguities and vagueness from our writing and speech.
Philosophy provides training in the construction of clear formulations, good arguments, and
appropriate examples. It, thereby, helps us to develop our ability to be convincing. We learn to
build and defend our own views, to appreciate competing positions, and to indicate forcefully
why we consider our own views preferable to alternatives. These capacities can be developed
not only through reading and writing in philosophy, but also through the philosophical dialogue,
both within and outside the classroom, that is so much a part of a thorough philosophical
education. Philosophy teaches interpretive writing through its examination of challenging texts,
comparative writing through emphasis on fairness to alternative positions, argumentative
writing through developing students' ability to establish their own views, and descriptive writing
through detailed portrayal of concrete examples. Concrete examples serve as the anchors to
which generalizations must be tied. Structure and technique, then, are emphasized in
philosophical writing.
10. What is the Philosophy of Education in terms of life's perspectives?
Philosophy teaches us how to develop and support our own positions, interpretations, and
analyses. It provides training in the construction of clear formulations, good arguments, and apt
examples. It also helps us learn how to grapple charitably with multiple perspectives.
Philosophy is perspective. And so, as we resolve to our individual aims, may the notion of
perceiving our circumstances differently be one in which we collectively engage. The right
perspective frees us to approach our future with both anticipation and content, eagerness
without expectation. Right perspectives make sense out of seeming contradictions. When we
see things accurately, necessary actions follow suit.
11. Enumerate and explain the different Philosophy of Education.
At least explain 4.
Philosophy of Education is the branch of applied or practical philosophy
concerned with the nature and aims of education and the philosophical problems
arising from educational theory and practice.
There are many different philosophies in Education but we will have four of them
now.
Perennialism
-It develop timeless virtues (justice, temperance, fortitude and prudence;
Instill knowledge for the sake of learning
-Perrennialist believe that the focus of education should be the ideas that
have lasted for over the 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.
-The goal of perrenialist education is to teach students to think and develop
minds that can think critically.
-Perrenialist are primarily concerned with the importance of mastery of the
content and development reasoning skills. The old adage “the more things
change, the more they stay the same “summarizes the perrenialists
perspective in education.Skils are still developed in a sequential manner. For
example,reading,writing,speaking and listening are emphasized in the early
grades to prepare students in later grades to study literature,history and
philosophy.
Essentialism
-It comes from the word “essential” which means the main things or
the basics.As an educational philosophy, it advocates instilling in students with the
essentials or basics of academic knowledge and character development. The term
essentialism was originally popularized in the 1930s by William Bagley and later in
the 1950s by Arthur Bestor and Admiral Rickover.
-It promotes and instill cultural literacy in all students.IT also provides a
common core of cultural knowledge.
Humanism
-Emphasize self-actualization, help students become self-actualized and
blend the cognitive and the affective. It helps students also to assimilate
knowledge into their daily lives, it stresses human values too.
-Humanistic education is a humane approach to education-one that helps
students believe in themselves and their potential, that encourages compassion and
understanding, that fosters self-respect and respect for others.
-It is teaching the whole child. A humanist approach will have a strong focus
on students emotional wellbeing and eternally view children as innately good at the
core.
-Maslow humanistic theory of personality states that people achieve their full
potential by moving from basic needs to self-actualization. It emphasizes the
personal worth of the individual, centrality of human values, and the creative, active
nature of human beings.
Progressivism
-It uses student interest as a basis for understanding and ordering students
experience.
John Dewey is the credited as the founder of the progressive education
movement. Dewey believed in the power of democracy and education to
affect change.
-It is a philosophy of teaching that values student –centered learning and the
use of inquiry, problem solving,critical thinking,and creativity in the
classroom.It emphasizes the importance of individual differences and social
context in learning. It is a learner a learner centered approach.
12. Relate all Philosophy of Education to Special Education
Program.
Special Education is a form of instruction that’s designed to meet the needs
of students with disabilities in order to reach the same learning objectives as other
children. Learn the process and structure of providing these students the best
program for maximum educational success. The term special special education is
used interchangeably with special needs,and the dis abilities may be
physical,emotional or behavioral. Children begin school with various level of ability.
Some illnesses or permanent ailments that interfere with learning. There are
numerous reasons why some children are behind. There are many children who
have not had a lot of adult interactions and are further behind when they start the
school. School attempts to fill in the gapsof learning by helping these kids with small
group instruction, one on one attention,or using tools and techniques that aid a
child. Manipulatives are used to help kids by making the knowledge easier to learn.
In line with the aim of special education program these four philosophy will greatly
help the special children to learn easily.
“Every student can learn just not on the same day or the same way” George Evans.
Perennialism
A perrenialist classroom aims to be a closely organized and well-
disciplined environment which develops in students lifelong quest for the
truth. Perrenialist believe that education should be epitomize a prepared
effort to make these ideas available to students and to guide their thought
processes toward understanding and appreciation of the great works.
Essentialism
-Is an approach assuming that people common can the things have
natural and essential characteristics which are inherent, innate and
unchanging. The unification role of essentialism is represented in the core
curriculum that aims to transfer the essential knowledge and skills needed for
the equal and well balanced citizens.
Humanism
Special education curriculum is often viewed as an effort to provide
ways for students with disabilities to meet specific academic and socio-
behavioral goals and is also heavily influenced by compliance with multiple
legislative polocies.Critical paths forward are needed to reshape a special
education curriculum by using humanizing approach in which students lived
ecperience3s and relatedness to self and others is at the core of study.
Progressivism
-A progressive approach in special education implies ensuring special
education students inclusion. According to Heward in 2013,treating them as
valuable members of society and ensuring their provision of the relevant
services to help them succeed in their least restrictive environment.
In a progressive setting on the other hand plethora of learning resources are
utilized to address each learners academic and social goals.Child
centereness,a primary pillar in progressive
education(Fallac,2015),encourages free activity and promotes individuality
Presenting children with opportunities to help them adapt to an always-
changing world(Powell,2007)
13. Cite your own Philosophy in Education.
As an educator, I believe that I am entitled to transform students
into their full potential. My philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must
have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally,
and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full
potential.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world” stated by Nelson Mandela.
