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Idealism Realism Pragmatism
Idealism Realism Pragmatism
• Aristotle
– 384-322 B.C.
• He was a student at
Plato’s Academy
• He opened his own
school, The Lyceum.
Aristotle’s Ontology
• Prime Matter
– Principle of Potentiality
• Pure Form
– Principle of Actuality
• FORM and MATTER are
separate concepts, but they
are never found alone, but
matter is prior to form.
PURE
FORM Mind Rationality Law
Actuality
PURE Examples
MATTER Body Materiality of
behavior
Potentiality
=
• The Universe is one of orderly Aristotle’s
design
• All things exist according to a Epistemology
rational design
• All things have a rational function or
purpose.
– Acorns become Oak trees, not Elm
trees
• Man’s defining characteristic is
Rationality.
– Homo Sapiens- the rational animal.
• Syllogistic Logic
–– All
All men
men are
are mortal
mortal
–– Socrates
Socrates isis aa man
man
–– Therefore,
Therefore, Socrates
Socrates isis Mortal
Mortal
THEORY OF CASUATION Aristotle’s
Epistemology
Material Matter Wood,nails
Axiology
• The good life is attained through
scientific skepticism.
–– Examine
Examine all
all previously
previously accepted
accepted knowledge.
knowledge.
The Four
Idols
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
• 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
– Wisdom
– Moral conviction
– Good will
– Loyalty
METHOD of
EDUCATION
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
• 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
• 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
• 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
Traditional Progressive
Experience
above cultivation of
individuality
and Education 2
3
external discipline
learning from
free activity
learning through
p. 19 4
text/teachers
acquire them as
experience
attaining ends which
means of make
by drill direct vital appeal
5 prepare for remote make most of present
future opportunities
6 static aims and awareness of changing
materials world
Ontology