PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

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ASSIGNMENT 03
PDU3701
QUESTION 1
Write short notes on each of the following philosophies’ views on
education:
Empiricism
 Empiricists believe that knowledge is derived from sensory experiences and
observations of the external world.
 According to empiricists, education should focus on providing students with
direct experiences and opportunities to learn through experimentation and
observation.
 Empiricists emphasize the importance of evidence-based learning, where
students gather data and draw conclusions based on empirical evidence.
 Empiricists argue that education should be practical and applied, allowing
students to directly engage with real-world phenomena.
 Empiricism views education as a continuous process of learning from one’s
experiences and refining one’s understanding through empirical investigation.
Phenomenology
 Phenomenologists emphasize the study of subjective experiences and the
meaning individuals attribute to them.
 In education, phenomenologists believe that learning should be centered around
the personal experiences and perspectives of students.
 Phenomenology promotes the idea that education should encourage self-
reflection and introspection to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the
world.
 Phenomenologists argue that education should focus on the development of the
whole person, including their emotional, social, and cognitive aspects.
 Phenomenology views education as a process of uncovering the underlying
meanings and essences of concepts and phenomena.
Scientific rationalism
 Scientific rationalism prioritizes the use of reason, empirical evidence, and the
scientific method in acquiring knowledge.
 In education, scientific rationalists advocate for an evidence-based approach,
where teaching methods and curriculum are informed by scientific research.
 Scientific rationalism emphasizes the importance of objective knowledge and
facts, which should be taught and communicated to students.
 Scientific rationalists argue that education should aim to develop critical thinking
skills and a scientific mindset in students.
 Scientific rationalism views education as a means to discover and understand
natural laws and principles that governs the world.
Hermeneutics:
 Hermeneutics focuses on the interpretation and understanding of texts, symbols,
and cultural phenomena.
 In education, hermeneutic philosophers emphasize the interpretation and
understanding of educational materials within their cultural and historical
contexts.
 Hermeneutics promotes the idea that education should go beyond transmitting
information and instead encourage students to critically engage with knowledge.
 Hermeneutic philosophers argue that education should foster dialogue and
interpretation, allowing students to actively participate in the meaning-making
process.
 Hermeneutics views education as a transformative process where students
develop a deep understanding of concepts by interpreting and relating them to
their own experiences and cultural backgrounds.
Critical Theory:
 Critical Theory aims to examine and challenge power structures, social
inequalities, and forms of oppression.
 In education, critical theorists advocate for an education that promotes social
justice and empowers students to critically analyse and question existing norms
and systems.
 Critical Theory emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, allowing
students to question and challenge societal assumptions and injustices.
 Critical theorists argue that education should encourage students to become
agents of change by taking action to address social inequalities and injustices.
 Critical Theory views education as a tool for liberation, enabling individuals to
recognize and challenge oppressive structures in society.

QUESTION 2
2.1 How can the notion of Ubuntu be incorporated in your classroom practice?
Ubuntu is a foundational concept in African philosophy that emphasizes the
interconnectedness and interdependence of individuals within a community.
 Incorporating Ubuntu in classroom practice involves fostering a sense of
communalism, empathy, and respect among students.
 Teachers can promote Ubuntu by encouraging collaborative learning and
cooperative activities that value the contributions of each student.
 Ubuntu can be nurtured through the establishment of a positive and inclusive
classroom environment where students feel valued and supported.
 Teachers can incorporate Ubuntu by encouraging students to recognize and
appreciate the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives within the
classroom.
 Ubuntu can be integrated through the inclusion of literature, stories, and
examples that illustrate the principles of compassion, sharing, and communal
harmony.
 Classroom discussions and activities that explore social issues, justice, and the
common good can help students understand Ubuntu in practice.
 Teachers can model Ubuntu by treating students with fairness, kindness, and
respect, and by cultivating a supportive and inclusive classroom community.
 Ubuntu can be integrated into assessment practices by encouraging peer
feedback, collaborative projects, and recognizing the value of teamwork and
cooperation.
 Service-learning initiatives and community engagement can provide
opportunities for students to practice Ubuntu by contributing to the well-being of
others.
 Ubuntu can be incorporated by involving parents and the wider community in
educational activities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for students’
development.
 By incorporating Ubuntu, students can develop a sense of social responsibility,
empathy, and an understanding of their role in building a harmonious society.
 Ubuntu promotes active listening and understanding, allowing students to
appreciate different perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue.
 Teachers can create opportunities for students to reflect on and discuss the
principles of Ubuntu and their relevance to their own lives and communities.
 Ubuntu can be incorporated through the promotion of restorative practices that
encourage conflict resolution, forgiveness, and reconciliation among students.
2.2 What do you think African Philosophy can help us achieve in
education?
 African philosophy can help foster a more inclusive and culturally relevant
education system that recognizes and values diverse knowledge systems.
 It contributes to decolonizing education by challenging Eurocentric perspectives
and integrating African epistemologies into the curriculum.
 African philosophy emphasizes holistic education, considering the moral, social,
and spiritual dimensions of individuals alongside cognitive development.
 It encourages critical thinking and questioning of existing knowledge systems,
fostering a deeper understanding and Analysis of societal issues.
 African philosophy promotes the exploration and appreciation of indigenous
wisdom, cultural heritage, and traditional practices within the educational
context.
 It can help students develop a strong sense of identity, pride, and self-worth by
valuing their own cultural backgrounds and contributions.
 African philosophy encourages a more balanced and interconnected
understanding of human-nature relationships, promoting environmental
consciousness and sustainability.
 It can contribute to the promotion of social justice and equity in education by
addressing issues of inequality, discrimination, and marginalization.
 African philosophy emphasizes the importance of Ubuntu and communalism,
fostering a sense of empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility among
students.
 It can empower learners by providing alternative perspectives and narratives,
promoting self-reflection, critical consciousness and personal growth.
QUESTION 3
3.1 How does Phenomenology respond to formal education systems?
 Phenomenology criticizes formal education systems for their tendency to
prioritize abstract concepts and standardized curricula over individual
experiences and subjective meaning.
 Phenomenology argues that formal education often overlooks the unique
perspectives and lived experiences of students, leading to a disconnect between
learners and the material being taught.
 Phenomenology emphasizes the importance of personal meaning-making and
interpretation in the learning process, valuing the subjective experiences of
students.
 Phenomenology suggests that formal education should create opportunities for
students to engage in reflective practices, encouraging them to explore their
own consciousness and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the
world around them.
 Phenomenology advocates for a more student-centered approach to education,
where the curriculum is adapted to the needs and interests of individual
learners.
 Phenomenology encourages educators to facilitate dialogue and discussion,
allowing students to share and reflect on their subjective experiences and
interpretations.
 Phenomenology promotes the use of descriptive and qualitative methods to
explore the rich and diverse experiences of students, going beyond mere
objective measurements.
 Phenomenology challenges the compartmentalization of knowledge in formal
education, calling for a more integrated and holistic approach that considers the
interconnectedness of various subjects and domains.
 Phenomenology suggests that educators should be attuned to the unique
perspectives and backgrounds of students, creating inclusive and supportive
learning environments.
 Phenomenology calls for a re-evaluation of the role of formal education in
fostering self-awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human
experience.
3.2. What can Scientific Rationalism help us to achieve in education?
 Scientific rationalism can help in education by promoting a systematic and
evidence-based approach to learning and knowledge acquisition.
 It emphasizes the use of reason, empirical evidence, and the scientific method to
understand and explain natural phenomena.
 Scientific rationalism encourages critical thinking, rational analysis, and logical
reasoning skills among students.
 It fosters a spirit of inquiry and encourages students to ask questions, make
observations, and develop hypotheses.
 Scientific rationalism provides a framework for understanding and evaluating the
validity of scientific claims and theories.
 It helps students develop an appreciation for evidence-based decision-making
and encourages them to rely on empirical data rather than unsupported beliefs
or opinions. • Scientific rationalism promotes objectivity in education, where
knowledge is based on systematic observation, experimentation, and logical
reasoning.
3.3. What is Critical Theory’s criticism of modern schooling?
 Critical Theory criticizes modern schooling for perpetuating social inequalities
and reproducing oppressive power structures.
 It argues that modern schooling often reinforces existing hierarchies based on
class, race, and gender, rather than challenging and transforming them.
 Critical Theory questions the standardized and uniform nature of modern
schooling, which can stifle individuality, creativity, and critical thinking.
 It highlights how modern schooling can prioritize conformity and obedience,
discouraging students from questioning authority and fostering a passive
acceptance of societal norms.
 Critical Theory points out that modern schooling often neglects the development
of social consciousness and critical awareness, failing to prepare students to
become active participants in creating a more just and equitable society. It
argues that education should not only focus on transmitting knowledge and skills
but also foster a sense of social responsibility and empower students to critically
analyse and challenge oppressive structures and practices.

QUESTION 4
Compare the work of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Rudolf Steiner. In your
discussion you should indicate how their views could influence your
classroom practice. Consult chapter 5 of your prescribed textbook.

Hans-Georg Gadamer and Rudolf Steiner both have unique perspectives on

education that can influence classroom practice in different ways. Gadamer, known
for his philosophy of hermeneutics, emphasizes the influence of social communities,
language, and traditions on our understanding of the world. He rejects the idea of a
detached, scientific observer and argues that our understanding is shaped by our
cultural context. From Gadamer’s perspective, education should focus on enabling
learners to become competent and perceptive participants in their communities,
rather than striving for complete mastery or certainty.
Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, also emphasizes the importance of
community and self-expression in education. He believes that schooling and
education should be free from government interference and ideology, allowing
children to freely express themselves and actively participate in their communities.
Steiner advocates for a holistic approach that integrates artistic expression with
academic disciplines, fostering a dialogue between the arts and sciences.
Considering these perspectives, classroom practice could be influenced in the
following ways: Emphasizing community and cultural context: Both Gadamer and
Steiner highlight the significance of community and cultural traditions. Teachers
could incorporate diverse perspectives and cultural contexts into the curriculum,
encouraging students to understand and appreciate different traditions. This could
include exploring literature, art, and history from various cultures, inviting guest
speakers from different communities, or engaging in community service projects.
Promoting self-expression and active participation: Steiner’s emphasis on self-
expression and active participation suggests that teachers should create a
supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Students can be encouraged to
express their thoughts and ideas through artistic mediums, such as drawing,
painting, or drama, fostering creativity and individuality. Teachers can also involve
students in decision-making processes, allowing them to actively contribute to
classroom activities and projects. Integrating the arts and sciences: Steiner’s
approach advocates for a curriculum that integrates the arts and sciences,
recognizing the value of both disciplines. Teachers can incorporate artistic
elements, such as music, poetry, or visual arts, into subjects like math, science, or
history. This interdisciplinary approach helps students develop a holistic
understanding of various subjects and encourages creativity and critical thinking.
Fostering a dialogue and interpretation: Gadamer’s philosophy of hermeneutics
emphasizes the importance of interpretation and the rejection of certainty.
Teachers can create a classroom environment that values open dialogue and
encourages students to interpret and critically analyse information. Engaging in
discussions, debates, and collaborative projects allows students to develop their
interpretive skills, broaden their perspectives, and appreciate multiple viewpoints.
In summary, incorporating elements from Gadamer’s hermeneutics and Steiner’s
Waldorf education can enhance classroom practice by promoting community
engagement, self-expression, interdisciplinary learning, and critical thinking. These
approaches foster a holistic and inclusive educational experience that recognizes
the influence of cultural context on understanding and values the active
participation of students in their learning journey.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Higgs, P & Letseka, M (2022) Philosophy of Education Today

DECLARATION AND CHECKLIST Complete the following plagiarism declaration and

checklist. The plagiarism declaration and checklist must be submitted together with
your Exam Portfolio. It can not be submitted as a separate document directly to the
lecturer or university. PLEASE NOTE: If you do not have an electronic signature,
then you may use your initial(s) and surname where your signature is requested.
DECLARATION
Name: Nontokoza Mandy Khumalo Student number: 64151816
Module code: PDU3701
Assignment number: 03
I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I have used source
material, it is acknowledged in accordance with departmental requirements. I
understand what plagiarism is and I am aware of the departmental policy on it.
Signature: NM Khumalo
1. Date: 30 June 2023
2. CHECK LIST
 3. Please tick the appropriate box

 I acknowledged all source material (study guide, tutorial letter, internet, other
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 Irrespective of whether I participated in a study group or not, the wording of
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