Classical Realism
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Aristotle
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384-322 B.C.
He was a student at
Plato’s Academy
He opened his own
school, The Lyceum.
Aristotle’s Ontology
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Prime Matter
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Pure Form
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Principle of Potentiality
Principle of Actuality
FORM and MATTER are
separate concepts, but
they are never found
alone, but matter is prior
to form.
PURE
Mind Rationality
Law
FORM
Actuality
Examples
PURE
of
Body Materiality
MATTER
behavior
Potentiality
=
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The Universe is one of orderly
design
All things exist according to a
rational design
All things have a rational
function or purpose.
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Acorns become Oak trees, not Elm
trees
Man’s defining characteristic is
Rationality.
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Homo Sapiens- the rational
animal.
Syllogistic Logic
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All men are mortal
Socrates is a man
Therefore, Socrates is Mortal
Aristotle’s
Epistemology
THEORY OF CASUATION
Material Matter
Wood,nails
Formal
Blueprint
Design
Efficient Agent
Carpenter
Final
House
Purpose
Aristotle’s
Epistemology
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The Golden Mean is
described as "the
smaller is to the larger,
what the larger is to the
whole.“
It's also known as the
Golden Section or the
Divine Proportion. It
divides a line in such a
way as to create an
ideal relationship
between the parts.
Aristotle’s
Axiology
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Man’s purpose is to
lead a rational life of
moderation.
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The “Good” life is one
of avoiding extremes
Modern Realism
Ontology
Argued against Syllogistic
logic. Deductive A priori
reasoning is flawed because
you have TRUTH in hand
before you begin.
Truth is arrived at through
reason (inductive reasoning).
The Material world exists
independent of human minds
Francis
Bacon
Modern Realism
Epistomology
The scientific (inductive)method
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Hypothesis
Gather evidence
Formulate Theory
Axiology
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The good life is attained through
scientific skepticism.
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Examine all previously accepted
knowledge.
Francis
Bacon
The Four
Idols
The IDOL of the DEN
Limited
experience
The IDOL of the TRIBE Follow the
Majority
The IDOL of the
MARKETPLACE
The IDOL of the
THEATER
Current
(faddish)
language
Emotion
AIMS of
EDUCATION
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
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Absolutist- The search for “TRUTH”- True Ideas
Rationalist- The search for truth is a rational process. Thus,
to be educated, is to reason effectively.
Subjectivist- Individuals should strive for self-realization
Character Development
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Wisdom
Moral conviction
Good will
Loyalty
METHOD of
EDUCATION
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
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Depth over breadth
Concepts over specific facts
Confront problems that arise from the “human condition.”
“Self-Directed” learning
Lecture to stimulate thought, not to convey information
CURRICULUM
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
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Materials that promote “critical thinking.”
Focus on reading and writing.
Reading materials should foster discussion of “big ideas.”
Classic works are favored because they have passed the
test of time.
Student writing should emphasize both personal
expression and clear reasoning.
ROLE OF THE
TEACHER
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
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Socrates might serve as the prototype
– Socratic questioning
Teachers serve as role models
– Intellectual
– Moral
An Idealist teacher tends to see teaching as a calling- more
than just an occupation
Aims of
Education
Realism as a Philosophy of Education
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Absolutist- Education should focus on the truth of the
natural and physical world
Empiricist- Teach students the scientific method of
problem solving by exploring the material world
Objectivist- Emphasize basic skills and basic facts“3Rs” There are objective skills and facts that all
students should learn.
Character Development:
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Establish high standards and increased rigor and hold
students accountable
Emphasize practical knowledge that will prepare students for
the world of work
Methods of
Education
Realism as a Philosophy of Education
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Direct teaching techniques are preferable.
Students should be presented information in an
organized, efficient and logical format.
Given the “information overload” in today’s society, it is
important that “non-essential” learning should be
eliminated.
Students should be taught based upon their strengths
and abilities.
Scientific testing should be used to diagnose and place
students in settings most appropriate to their needs
Technology should be utilized whenever appropriate in
schools
Curriculum
Realism as a Philosophy of Education
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Curricula should be practical and useful
Curricula should concentrate on the “Basics” and avoid
fads and frills.
Curricula should be highly organized, correlated and
aligned throughout the scope and sequence offered by
schools
Curricula should be based upon pre-established
standards and criteria.
Curricula should be “experiential” whenever possible
Role of the
Teacher
Realism as a Philosophy of Education
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A Realist teacher should be a subject matter expert.
A Realist teachers should be able to present material in
an organized and systematic way.
A Realist teacher should be able to explain the lesson
objectives in a way that is understandable to the learner.
A Realist teacher should be able to effectively assess
students in such a way that all students are challenged
and motivated to learn.
A Realist teacher should understand current research
and technology and be able to utilize it in the classroom.
Pragmatism
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A 20th Century Philosophy
Often considered to be the “American”
philosophy
– William James
– George Herbert Mead
– John Dewey
William James- Percepts & Concepts
William James- Percepts & Concepts
William James- Percepts & Concepts
William James- Percepts & Concepts
William James- Percepts & Concepts
William James- Concepts
William James- Percepts
William James- Making Meaning
John Dewey –
Experience and
Education
John Dewey –
Experience and
Education
John Dewey –
Experience and
Education
The either/or of the two positions
John Dewey –
Experience
and Education
p. 19
Traditional
Progressive
1
imposition from
above
expression and
cultivation of
individuality
2
external discipline
free activity
3
learning from
text/teachers
learning through
experience
4
acquire them as
means of
by drill
attaining ends which
make
direct vital appeal
5
prepare for remote
future
make most of present
opportunities
6
static aims and
materials
awareness of changing
world
Ontology
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“What is real?” This is not a useful
question.Human beings process
perceptions through our senses and
construct concepts or ideas. Reality is
being constantly constructed through
our experiences.
Epistemology
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Truth is relative to a particular time,
culture, place. We learn by making
meaning of our experiences. We learn
by solving meaningful problems.
Axiology
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We derive our moral sense through
the social consciousness of the human
race. Through personal experience we
form habits, beliefs, feelings and
emotions. These are always shaped
by our social world.
Aims
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Education is a social process and
school is a form of community life.
School should promote personal
growth on the part of every child.
Methods
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Methods should emerge from an
understanding of a child’s powers and
interests. A teacher should guide a
child towards educative experiences
that connect personal growth within
community.
Curriculum
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Curriculum should grow out of life
experiences. It should be centered in
authentic problem solving and inquiry.
Role of the Teacher
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The teacher should be a guide, not a
dispensor of information. Teachers
should know their students and their
subjects equally well so they can
direct students towards educative
experiences