EDUC 55 REVIEWER  Some famous idealist educators include

Plato, Aristotle, and Johann Pestalozzi.

Western School of Thought
A. Naturalism
C. Realism
 Naturalism, in philosophy, a theory that
 Realists believe that students should learn
relates the scientific method to philosophy
about the facts of the world, the laws of
by affirming that all beings and events in the
nature, and the values of society.
universe are natural.
 Realists believe that the most important
 Consequently, all knowledge of the
thing for a teacher to do is to help students
universe falls within the pale of scientific
understand the significance and value of
investigation.
what they are learning.
 Naturalism is the idea or belief that only
 Realists believe that it is important for
natural laws and forces operate in the
teachers to be knowledgeable about the
universe.
subjects they teach.
 Adherents of naturalism assert that natural
 Realists believe that the scientific method is
laws are the only rules that govern the
an important tool for solving problems.
structure and behavior of the natural world
and that the changing universe is at every
 Realists believe that the history of science
stage a product of these laws.
and the contributions of scientists should be
taught to students.
B. Idealism
DIFFERENCES OF IDEALISM AND REALISM
 Idealists believe that education should
focus on the development of the whole The main difference between realists and
person, including the mind, body, and spirit. idealists about knowledge is for realist
sensory observation are the sole basis,
 They believe that education should help where as for idealist mind is the originator.
students to become good and virtuous
people and to appreciate the beauty of the
world around them.  Realists believe that knowledge comes from
sensory experience. They believe that the
world exists independently of our minds,
 Idealists believe that the realization of truth, and that we can learn about it by observing
beauty, and goodness are the highest aims it.
of education.
 Idealists, on the other hand, believe that
knowledge comes from the mind. They
 They believe that these aims can be believe that the world is created by the
achieved through a well-rounded education mind, and that we can only know it through
that includes the study of the arts, our thoughts and experiences.
humanities, sciences, and mathematics.
 The idealists are theoretical and
philosophical where as for the realist the
 knowledge of the self is more important is
incorrect. Both realists and idealists can be
theoretical and philosophical. The
difference is in their views on the origin of
knowledge.
 Realist base the theories on the absolute
realistic of the world while the ideals believe
in the absolute good is incorrect. Realists
do not believe in the absolute good. They
believe that the world is objective and that
there is no such thing as absolute good or
evil. Idealists, on the other hand, believe
that the world is subjective and that there is
an absolute good.
 The nature of the absolute scope of
knowledge is too broad. This is a
characteristic of both realism and idealism.
D. Pragmatism
 Pragmatism is a philosophical approach
that emphasizes practicality and the need
for action.
 In the context of education, a pragmatist
would prioritize the development of practical
skills and knowledge that can be applied in
real-world situations.
 Pragmatists believe that knowledge is
tentative and the truth is relative, meaning
there is no absolute truth, and what is
considered true may vary depending on the
context and circumstances. • Pragmatism
philosophy prioritizes applying practical
skills and knowledge over theoretical or
abstract concepts.
 Pragmatists do not necessarily reject the
scientific method, but they may view it as
one tool among many for gaining
knowledge and solving problems.
 They may also reject the idea that complete
objectivity is possible, as they believe that
personal experiences and values influence
how individuals perceive and interpret the
world around them.
 Finally, pragmatists do not necessarily
accept the stimulus-response theory of
learning, as they may view learning as a
more complex and interactive process that
involves reflection, problem-solving, and
application of knowledge.
Eastern School of Thoughts
A. Confucianism
B. Buddhism
C. Hinduism
D. Islam
E. Christianity
F. Judaism
G. Existentialism.
 Existentialism is a form of philosophical
inquiry that explores the nature of existence
by emphasizing the experience of the
human subject.
 It is also the investigation of the meaning of
Being.
 The existentialist is in opposition to any
doctrine that views human beings as the
manifestation of an infinite substance.
 Existentialism is a philosophical theory that
people are free agents who have control
over their choices and actions.
 Existentialists believe that society should
not restrict an individual's life or actions and
that these restrictions inhibit free will and
the development of that person's potential.
 According to this philosophy, man goes
through three stages or modes of existence:
 the aesthetic mode, the ethical mode, and
the religious mode.

 The aesthetic mode is concerned with the

here and now and focuses primarily on
pleasure and pain.

 The ethical mode involves making choices

and wrestling with the concept of
responsibility.

RANDOM RELATED FACTS

 All are schools of thought in the East
except: Empiricism

 All are schools of thought in the West

except: Taoism

 The Western thought assumes that the self

is the measure of all things.

 Eastern thought emphasizes Harmony.

 The ideal of Western thought is self-

actualization through personal growth.

 Eastern thought is pluralistic.

 Western thought is Monotheistic.

 There is separation between philosophy

and religion in the Eastern thought. FALSE

 The Eastern way of thinking is analytic-

deductive. FALSE

 The Western concept of individual freedom

is seen as double-edged sword. TRUE

 The primary source of knowledge in

Western philosophy is faith. FALSE