Introduction to Philosophy of Education

The Meaning of the Concept of the Philosophy of Education

The Meaning of Philosophy The term philosophy is of Greek origin.

Philosophy

Philos Meaning: Loving

Sophi a Wisdom

Thus, philosophy can be explained as love of wisdom. Philosophy can also be defined as the study of the nature and meaning of the universe, existence, truth, good and evil, and of human life.

what sorts of things exist and what are their essential natures (metaphysics)

Philosophy is the discipline concerned with

what are the correct principles of reasoning (logic) how one should live (axiology)

what counts as genuine knowledge (epistemology )

The Meaning of Philosophy according to Russell, E.D. Miller and

Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoff Russell (1946) Philosophy can be explained as a kind of understanding or meaning between theology and science. - Like theology, there are speculations over unproven matters in philosophy. - Like science, logic and reasoning are used in philosophy to prove speculations.

E.D. Millers Questions That Matter (1984) Philosophy can be interpreted as efforts to think rationally and critically over important matters.

Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoffs Falsafah Pendidikan (Education Philosophy:1984) i. Philosophy is a basic consideration and assumption regarding judgment on important matters. ii. Philosophy is used to question principles of reality, knowledge and values. iii. Philosophy tends to group its findings in the form of systems or schools of thoughts. iv. Philosophy is a rational approach of finding a solution over a certain problem or question. v. Philosophy is a kind of comprehensive investigation and basic logical thinking regarding all human

activities, especially in the field of science, art, religion and education.

Therefore, philosophy is a way of thinking or realistic, rational, substantial and constructive opinion.

The Role of Philosophers

Evaluate and interpret human experiences to look for true satisfactory values in life. (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) Find and prove reality to give direction or guidance over important matters in life

The Meaning of Education Education is derived from two Latin words. Education

educere Meaning: to lead or to train

educare to train or to nourish

Other definitions of education: a) A process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or colleges, to improve and develop skills. b) Education means 'to draw out', facilitating realisation of selfpotential and latent talents of an individual

The Meaning of Education according to John Dewey

John Dewey underlined a few aspects of education: The aim of education should be to teach the child to think, not what to think

Education as a vital component of social reform

Education should be pragmatic/ realistic

Education is life, not preparation for life

The Meaning of Philosophy of Education Philosophy of Education

The study of the purpose, process, nature and ideals of education

Referred to as guidance, course of direction or opinion over matters related to education.

The activity of clarifying the terms, thoughts and principles that guide education, as well as the problems that inhibit education.

A body of concepts, principles and values underlining educational practices.

The philosophy of education can serve to a) Rationalise current practices. b) Guide future trends and actions.

The Reasons to Study Philosophy

Reasons to Study Philosophy

The principle reason i.e the intellectual reason The utilitarian reason To help us understand ourselves

The principal reason to study philosophy is the intellectual reason, namely, the love of the many dimensions of the discipline. a) In philosophy, one can grapple with classical contemporary problems. e.g. Why be moral? Is there an afterlife and what is it like? b) In philosophy, one can grapple with questions in the arts and in the sciences. e.g. What makes something a work of art? Can a robot be a good scientist? c) In philosophy, there are questions with a human face and questions of a cold logical character. e.g. Is romantic love important? To what extent can anything be proven? In short, by studying philosophy, a persons life becomes more

intellectually interesting and rewarding. Those who study philosophy are challenged to analyze concepts clearly and evaluate evidence and arguments critically.

to study philosophy is that it is good preparation for jobs that demand careful reading, critical thinking, intelligent decision-making and sound judgment.

To help us understand who we are, why we are here and where we are headed to.