The term metaphysics literally means "beyond the physical." This area of philosophy focuses on the nature of realityi. Metaphysics attempts to find unity across the domains of experience and thought. At the metaphysical level, there are four* broad philosophical schools of thought that apply to education today. They are idealism, realism, pragmatism (sometimes called experientialism), and existentialism. Each will be explained shortly. These four general frameworks provide the root or base from which the various educational philosophies are derived.
Metaphysics Can Be Divided Into Idealism and Realism
These two areas of metaphysics are interested in reality. What is reality? These are the type of questions they ask. Reality to some goes beyond what we can see, touch or perceive – it could be spirit, mind and God. What do you think reality is? That is what is real in your thinking. Other questions they ask are. What is the purpose of the world? Does this world have a destiny?
With regard to human life they ask, has human life any purpose? Or are we subjected to birth, growth, maturity, death and decay? Are we going to any where from here? What are your own opinions about these questions?
Idealism
Plato was an exponent of idealism. Plato postulated the existence of the world of ideas which is a perfect world. To him, this material world is not stable, uncertain and changeable. But he said that ideas are unchangeable and lasting. He said that men should concern themselves with searching for truth. He defined ‘truth’ as ‘perfect and eternal’ and said that it could not be found in this material world because material things are imperfect and ever changing. What is your opinion about what Plato propounded? The Idealists said that mind is superior to matter in the sense that mind is material and therefore superior to material substances. They believed that the universe is the product of intelligence and will. They said that the order or harmony which we witness in our world is originated by a spiritual and eternal reality. The idealists do not deny the existence of the physical world. But what they are saying is that the material things of the world like houses, trees, or animals are not the ultimate reality because they are constantly changing. You can see their postulations. What is your opinion? Do you think that there is perfect world which is different from this world?
Idealism and Knowledge
Idealists reject empirical knowledge, that is, they say that knowledge cannot be gained through the senses of touch, hearing, seeing or feeling. Real knowledge to them consists in the reflection on the thoughts and purposes of the eternal and spiritual realities as expressed or embodied in the world of matter. To them valid knowledge is that which comes through reasoning. This is because they see reasoning as the aspect of the mind which can help us to know the forms of things. Another way of deriving knowledge according to them is through the sayings of wise men throughout the ages. This is because these sayings are the products of reasoning.
Idealists recognize a third way of gaining knowledge. This is through revelation by religious or prophetic leaders because such knowledge comes from God. You have seen their views about knowledge, do you accept it totally? Do you think that there are other sources of knowledge? If so, what are they?
Idealism and Values
Idealism believes that, values like goodness, truth, beauty, or honesty are fixed. This means that they are permanent and unchangeable. They do not depend on individuals, places, time or circumstances. They are not man made but are natural, universal and constant. Plato said that the good life is possible only within a good society. In order to make this good life possible in any society, every one must act in a manner that he would want all other people to act. Do you think that these values are actually fixed? Are they independent of people, places and time? Why do you think so? We are now going to look at their aims of education.
Idealist Aims of Education
Intellectual Development
Plato saw this world as shadow of the real world. He believed that truth cannot be found on this world. He said that truth or “perfect ideas” can be found only in “philosophical wisdom” which can only be attained through intellectual development. For this, he recommended the study of subjects that can develop the mind or intellect.
Self-Realisation
Idealists believe that education develop the “self”. In order words, education should lead to self-realisation. This is the concept of discovering who you are, what you can really do, your limitations and how you can fit into the society to which you belong.
Character Development
To them the major aim of education is good character development. They emphasized development of good morals, sense of duty, loyalty and patriotism. In order to attain this, they argue that the school has to provide the pupil with worthy models, “from which they can mould their own characters.” Here the role of the teacher as a model from which the children can copy and develop their own character is emphasized. You can see that here, the teacher is seen as a model. Does it always apply in our own situation? In your opinion do teachers always serve as models?
The Development of Society
It is their opinion that education should train every individual to use his ability for the benefit of the society.
Realism
Realism
Just as Naturalism comes on the Educational scene as a protest against systems of education
that have become artificial. Realism appears to be a reaction against curricula consisting of
studies that have become bookish, sophisticated and a abstruse. As we have a slogan in Naturalism-
‘Back to Nature’ – in Realism we have a slogan- ‘Things rather than words’.
Idealism deals with ‘mind and Self ,’ Naturalism emphasizes ‘Matter and Physical world’,
and pragmatism ‘Refuses to speculate and transcend beyond experience’. And according to
Realism the external world of objects is not imaginary. It really exists, “Our experience is not
independent but determines reaction to the external objects. Experiences are influenced by the
external world which has real existence.” It is a new outlook and this new outlook is termed as
Realism.
The realistic movement in education started from the 16th century. The 16th and 17th
centuries witnessed great inventions and epochal discoveries which greatly increased the store
of human knowledge. They extended the horizon of human knowledge. The rise of scientific
inquiry opened new vistas before human mind. ( Bacon’s formulation and statement of the new
scientific method. ) All these lead to a new spirit of inquiry into the realities of nature. Man
started to believe more in himself. He thought that he would conquer the entire world with his
supreme gift of rationality. The interest in language and literature began to wane and people
became more and more interested in man and his environment.
Consequently, there arose a demand of/for a new type of education in which truth rather
than beauty, realities of life of the day rather than the beauties of the old days were aims of
education as there was a great premium on Man and human endeavour combined with science
and common sense. This new conception was marked by an awakened interest in the natural
phenomena and social institutions. This new outlook came to be termed as ‘Realism in Education
‘. “ The realist enters his emphatic protest against a cleavage between the work of the school
and the life of the world outside it. “
“Education is that which makes a man happy by getting acquaintance with real circumstances
of life, create capacity for struggling with adverse situation in life. Realistic education is connected
with the needs of life.
“The doctrine of realism asserts that there is a real world of things behind and corresponding
to the objects of our perception”- Ross.
Basic Principles
Following are the basic principles of realism
(1) Phenomenal world is real
There is nothing beyond this world. According to Ross, “Realism accepts only the reality
of external world. That is why, it is antithesis to subjective idealism.
(2) Senses are the gateways of learning
According to realism whatever sensation we get while coming in contact with objects
through our senses, is the only reality. So like naturalism, realism also lays emphasis on
sense training, study of science, diversified curricula, catering education to varied interests,
making methods of teaching interesting and basis theme on psychological principles.
(3) Theory of Organism
According to realism animate and manimate substances make an organism.
(4) Man is only a part of material world
Man is only a part of material world. He becomes conscious of this material world with
the help of his senses.
(5) Emphasis on experiment
Realism emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation. That is the reason
why realism does not believe in the existence of any god, soul, other world etc. They
consider these worlds only to be a figment of imagination. A philosophy of education
should be based on the realities of life and it can prove its worth by being practical. Realism
is opposed to bookish knowledge.
(6) Importance of Present Life
The immediate reality of the material world is real. It is more important than the ultimate
reality of the spiritual world. Main place is given to scientific subjects.
(7) Since we live in the world which is rapidly changing, it is necessary that we remains
prepared to adjust ourselves to any psychological, intellectual or social changes that occur
at any time.
(8) No ‘Ism’ can solve the problem of education. To be useful education must be organized by
harmoninsing values, past and present. Similarly individual and society must be given
equal importance.
(9) Things and objects exist independently. They are dependent on mind for their existence.
For their knowledge emphasis is laid on training of senses.
(10) Realism places more emphasis on curriculum and contents of studies than on behaviour
training like pragmatism.
(11) Unlike naturalism, realism advocates limited freedom for child.
(12) Regularity in the material world
This ideology accepts regularity in the material world. The change is also due to regularity.
Here this philosophy becomes different from the physical world. It considers all the things
as a part of the totality and their forms are changing and not eternal. The development of
society also takes place according to regularity.
(13) State
Realism considers states as an institution for his welfare and happiness. It is not a divine
organisaton. Therefore it is obligatory for the state to make arrangements for the means
of happiness and convenience of the citizens.
Metaphysics Can Be Divided Into Idealism and Realism
These two areas of metaphysics are interested in reality. What is reality? These are the type of questions they ask. Reality to some goes beyond what we can see, touch or perceive – it could be spirit, mind and God. What do you think reality is? That is what is real in your thinking. Other questions they ask are. What is the purpose of the world? Does this world have a destiny?
With regard to human life they ask, has human life any purpose? Or are we subjected to birth, growth, maturity, death and decay? Are we going to any where from here? What are your own opinions about these questions?
Idealism
Plato was an exponent of idealism. Plato postulated the existence of the world of ideas which is a perfect world. To him, this material world is not stable, uncertain and changeable. But he said that ideas are unchangeable and lasting. He said that men should concern themselves with searching for truth. He defined ‘truth’ as ‘perfect and eternal’ and said that it could not be found in this material world because material things are imperfect and ever changing. What is your opinion about what Plato propounded? The Idealists said that mind is superior to matter in the sense that mind is material and therefore superior to material substances. They believed that the universe is the product of intelligence and will. They said that the order or harmony which we witness in our world is originated by a spiritual and eternal reality. The idealists do not deny the existence of the physical world. But what they are saying is that the material things of the world like houses, trees, or animals are not the ultimate reality because they are constantly changing. You can see their postulations. What is your opinion? Do you think that there is perfect world which is different from this world?
Idealism and Knowledge
Idealists reject empirical knowledge, that is, they say that knowledge cannot be gained through the senses of touch, hearing, seeing or feeling. Real knowledge to them consists in the reflection on the thoughts and purposes of the eternal and spiritual realities as expressed or embodied in the world of matter. To them valid knowledge is that which comes through reasoning. This is because they see reasoning as the aspect of the mind which can help us to know the forms of things. Another way of deriving knowledge according to them is through the sayings of wise men throughout the ages. This is because these sayings are the products of reasoning.
Idealists recognize a third way of gaining knowledge. This is through revelation by religious or prophetic leaders because such knowledge comes from God. You have seen their views about knowledge, do you accept it totally? Do you think that there are other sources of knowledge? If so, what are they?
Idealism and Values
Idealism believes that, values like goodness, truth, beauty, or honesty are fixed. This means that they are permanent and unchangeable. They do not depend on individuals, places, time or circumstances. They are not man made but are natural, universal and constant. Plato said that the good life is possible only within a good society. In order to make this good life possible in any society, every one must act in a manner that he would want all other people to act. Do you think that these values are actually fixed? Are they independent of people, places and time? Why do you think so? We are now going to look at their aims of education.
Idealist Aims of Education
Intellectual Development
Plato saw this world as shadow of the real world. He believed that truth cannot be found on this world. He said that truth or “perfect ideas” can be found only in “philosophical wisdom” which can only be attained through intellectual development. For this, he recommended the study of subjects that can develop the mind or intellect.
Self-Realisation
Idealists believe that education develop the “self”. In order words, education should lead to self-realisation. This is the concept of discovering who you are, what you can really do, your limitations and how you can fit into the society to which you belong.
Character Development
To them the major aim of education is good character development. They emphasized development of good morals, sense of duty, loyalty and patriotism. In order to attain this, they argue that the school has to provide the pupil with worthy models, “from which they can mould their own characters.” Here the role of the teacher as a model from which the children can copy and develop their own character is emphasized. You can see that here, the teacher is seen as a model. Does it always apply in our own situation? In your opinion do teachers always serve as models?
The Development of Society
It is their opinion that education should train every individual to use his ability for the benefit of the society.
Realism
Realism
Just as Naturalism comes on the Educational scene as a protest against systems of education
that have become artificial. Realism appears to be a reaction against curricula consisting of
studies that have become bookish, sophisticated and a abstruse. As we have a slogan in Naturalism-
‘Back to Nature’ – in Realism we have a slogan- ‘Things rather than words’.
Idealism deals with ‘mind and Self ,’ Naturalism emphasizes ‘Matter and Physical world’,
and pragmatism ‘Refuses to speculate and transcend beyond experience’. And according to
Realism the external world of objects is not imaginary. It really exists, “Our experience is not
independent but determines reaction to the external objects. Experiences are influenced by the
external world which has real existence.” It is a new outlook and this new outlook is termed as
Realism.
The realistic movement in education started from the 16th century. The 16th and 17th
centuries witnessed great inventions and epochal discoveries which greatly increased the store
of human knowledge. They extended the horizon of human knowledge. The rise of scientific
inquiry opened new vistas before human mind. ( Bacon’s formulation and statement of the new
scientific method. ) All these lead to a new spirit of inquiry into the realities of nature. Man
started to believe more in himself. He thought that he would conquer the entire world with his
supreme gift of rationality. The interest in language and literature began to wane and people
became more and more interested in man and his environment.
Consequently, there arose a demand of/for a new type of education in which truth rather
than beauty, realities of life of the day rather than the beauties of the old days were aims of
education as there was a great premium on Man and human endeavour combined with science
and common sense. This new conception was marked by an awakened interest in the natural
phenomena and social institutions. This new outlook came to be termed as ‘Realism in Education
‘. “ The realist enters his emphatic protest against a cleavage between the work of the school
and the life of the world outside it. “
“Education is that which makes a man happy by getting acquaintance with real circumstances
of life, create capacity for struggling with adverse situation in life. Realistic education is connected
with the needs of life.
“The doctrine of realism asserts that there is a real world of things behind and corresponding
to the objects of our perception”- Ross.
Basic Principles
Following are the basic principles of realism
(1) Phenomenal world is real
There is nothing beyond this world. According to Ross, “Realism accepts only the reality
of external world. That is why, it is antithesis to subjective idealism.
(2) Senses are the gateways of learning
According to realism whatever sensation we get while coming in contact with objects
through our senses, is the only reality. So like naturalism, realism also lays emphasis on
sense training, study of science, diversified curricula, catering education to varied interests,
making methods of teaching interesting and basis theme on psychological principles.
(3) Theory of Organism
According to realism animate and manimate substances make an organism.
(4) Man is only a part of material world
Man is only a part of material world. He becomes conscious of this material world with
the help of his senses.
(5) Emphasis on experiment
Realism emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation. That is the reason
why realism does not believe in the existence of any god, soul, other world etc. They
consider these worlds only to be a figment of imagination. A philosophy of education
should be based on the realities of life and it can prove its worth by being practical. Realism
is opposed to bookish knowledge.
(6) Importance of Present Life
The immediate reality of the material world is real. It is more important than the ultimate
reality of the spiritual world. Main place is given to scientific subjects.
(7) Since we live in the world which is rapidly changing, it is necessary that we remains
prepared to adjust ourselves to any psychological, intellectual or social changes that occur
at any time.
(8) No ‘Ism’ can solve the problem of education. To be useful education must be organized by
harmoninsing values, past and present. Similarly individual and society must be given
equal importance.
(9) Things and objects exist independently. They are dependent on mind for their existence.
For their knowledge emphasis is laid on training of senses.
(10) Realism places more emphasis on curriculum and contents of studies than on behaviour
training like pragmatism.
(11) Unlike naturalism, realism advocates limited freedom for child.
(12) Regularity in the material world
This ideology accepts regularity in the material world. The change is also due to regularity.
Here this philosophy becomes different from the physical world. It considers all the things
as a part of the totality and their forms are changing and not eternal. The development of
society also takes place according to regularity.
(13) State
Realism considers states as an institution for his welfare and happiness. It is not a divine
organisaton. Therefore it is obligatory for the state to make arrangements for the means
of happiness and convenience of the citizens.
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