1

Concept, Need and Significance of Philosophy of Education

for a Teacher/ Teacher Educator

Pandey Shambhavi Kishore

Faculty of Education, B.H.U.

M.ED- 37

MED 101: Philosophical Foundations of Education

Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh

20 January 2021
 2

Index

• Introduction 3

• Philosophy 4

• Education 5

• Relationship between Philosophy and Education 6

• Philosophy of Education 6

• Need and Significance of Education 9

o Need and Significance of Philosophy of Education for a Teacher/ Teacher Educator 9

➢ Helps to Decipher the Path of Learning 10

➢ To Be in the Shoes of the Students 10

➢ To Avoid being Judgemental 11

➢ Gives Practical Form to Teaching Activity 11

➢ Affects the Society 12

➢ To Develop Insight 13

➢ To Teach the Concept of Unification 13

• Conclusion 15

• References 16
 3

Concept, Need and Significance of Philosophy of Education

for a Teacher/ Teacher Educator

All human societies, past and present, have had a vested interest in education; and some

wits have claimed that teaching is the second oldest profession. While not all societies channel

sufficient resources into support for educational activities and institutions, all at the very least

acknowledge their centrality—and for good reasons. For one thing, it is obvious that children are

born illiterate and innumerate, and ignorant of the norms and cultural achievements of the

community or society into which they have been thrust; but with the help of professional teachers

and the dedicated amateurs in their families and immediate environs, within a few years they can

read, write, calculate, and act in culturally-appropriate ways. Some learn these skills with more

facility than others, and so education also serves as a social-sorting mechanism and undoubtedly

has enormous impact on the economic fate of the individual. Education equips individuals with

the skills and substantive knowledge that allows them to define and to pursue their own goals, and

also allows them to participate in the life of their community as full-fledged, autonomous citizens.

Equips individuals with the skills and substantive knowledge that allows them to define

and to pursue their own goals, and also allows them to participate in the life of their community as

full-fledged, autonomous citizens.

It is here that that philosophy of education plays an important role in providing direction

to education on the different issues as well as providing a theory of knowledge for education to

work upon.

Teachers play an active role in inculcating independent thinking in students. However, to

do that as a teacher, one must have a teaching philosophy of one’s own. Students always look up

to their teacher and therefore, it becomes necessary teachers to have thoughts to inspire them.
 4

Philosophy

Philosophy is a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly

speculative rather than observational means. It signifies a natural and necessary urge in human

beings to know themselves and the world in which they live and move and have their being.

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with

reality, existence, knowledge, values, reasons, mind and language. It is concerned with the

understanding of the life and the universe. It aims at comprehending the nature of existence.

Philosophy is human endeavour that reads to the ultimate truth.

The English word “Philosophy’ has its root in the Greek term ‘philo-sophia’. The term

‘philo’ refers to love’ and ‘sophia’ refers to “human reason’. The Greek word can be literally

translated in English as love of reason or love of human judgement and discrimination

From the Indian view point, the word ‘Philosophy” suggests observing and surveying the

existence.

In Sanskrit, the ‘Philosophy” is referred to as ‘Darshana’. The Sanskrit word ‘Darshana’

has its root in the word ‘drs’ that means to see, to look or to view. Seeing or viewing the reality

and facts of experience forms the basis of philosophy. In other words, Darshana is a whole view

related to the inner self, what we term as the soul or the spirit or the inner being. Philosophy or

Darshana is concerned with the vision of six ways to the truth and reality.

In Sanskrit, the ‘Philosophy is also referred to as “Tatva’. The word “Tatva’ is concerned

with the nature of reality.

The history of philosophy deals with the study of philosophical ideas and concepts through

time. All cultures be they pre-historic, medieval or modern, eastern, western, religious or secular
 5

have their own unique schools of philosophy, arrived through both heritance and through

independent discovery.

Philosophy asks questions, examining factors of reality and experience. It yields a

comprehensive understanding of reality, a world view. It further forms the basis of direction and

methodology. Philosophy is a guide to educational practice. Philosophy seeks ultimate knowledge.

It helps mankind to determine significance of facts. It takes the totality of facts into account and

suggests their meaning for life .It gives a total and comprehensive outlook.

Education

Etymologically, the word education is derived from educare(Latin) “bring up”, which is

related to educere “bring out”, “bring forth what is within”, “bring out potential” and ducere, “to

lead”. Education in the largest sense is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the

mind, character or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense, education is the process

by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills and values from one

generation to another.

In ancient Greece, Socrates argued that education was about drawing out what was already

within the student. At the same time, the Sophists, a group of itinerant teachers, promised to give

students the necessary knowledge and skills to gain positions with the city-state. Thus we see that

there are different views and understandings of the meaning of the term education. In the modern

times it has acquired two different shades of meaning namely:

(1) an institutional instruction, given to students in school, colleges formally;

and

(2) a pedagogical science, studied by the student of education.

In the historical development of man, education has been the right of a privileged few. It

is only in recent centuries that education has come to be recognized as a human right. All have

equal right to be educated as education has become sine qua non of civilization.

Relationship Between Philosophy and Education

Education and philosophy are inseparable. It can be explained by the following points:

(1) The main aim of education is the all round development or promotion of life while

philosophy also aims at the understanding of life and it’s nature. Therefore, education and

philosophy are related to the concept of life.

(2) To lead a harmonious life, the philosophy provides direction and education takes help

from it. There is a constant mutual agreement and interaction between the two. In short, philosophy

deals with the end result and education with the means.

(3) Education and philosophy are the two sides of the same coin. Education is nothing but

the dynamic side of philosophy. Lt is the practical means of realising ideals of life.

The study of philosophy of education can be exciting and challenges that encounter great

and enduring ideas of human thought. It enables in understanding the past of education and to

develop the kinds of perspectives and intellectual tools that can help in dealing with the educational

problems.

Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of education is a subject area of pedagogy and philosophy. It is made up of two

word pairs - 'philosophy' and 'education'. In this, education is the process that creates a multifaceted

background of external development by enriching the internal development of the individual. At

the same time, philosophy represents goal-directed approach, ideas, beliefs, values and norms for
 7

solving all the problems of human life. From this point of view, philosophy of education can be

said in simple terms that- "Philosophy of education is a concept which aims at a guided approach,

thought, belief and criterion to solve the problems of education, necessary for the internal and

external development of human life."

It is the branch of applied or practical philosophy concerned with the nature and aims of

education and the philosophical problems arising from educational theory and practice. Because

that practice is ubiquitous in and across human societies, its social and individual manifestations

so varied, and its influence so profound, the subject is wide-ranging, involving issues in ethics and

social/political philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind and language, and

other areas of philosophy. Because it looks both inward to the parent discipline and outward to

educational practice and the social, legal, and institutional contexts in which it takes place,

philosophy of education concerns itself with both sides of the traditional theory/practice divide. Its

subject matter includes both basic philosophical issues (e.g., the nature of the knowledge worth

teaching, the character of educational equality and justice, etc.) and problems concerning specific

educational policies and practices (e.g., the desirability of standardized curricula and testing, the

social, economic, legal and moral dimensions of specific funding arrangements, the justification

of curriculum decisions, etc.). In all this the philosopher of education prizes conceptual clarity,

argumentative rigor, the fair-minded consideration of the interests of all involved in or affected by

educational efforts and arrangements, and informed and well-reasoned valuation of educational

aims and interventions.

It examines the goals, forms, methods, and meaning of education. The term is used to

describe both fundamental philosophical analysis of these themes and the description or analysis

of particular pedagogical approaches.

Often there are various problems in the field of education. These problems can be related

to teacher, learner, administrator, parent, curriculum, teaching method, discipline etc. Philosophy

provides a goal-oriented approach (principle) to solve the countless problems prevailing in

education, which helps in quick resolution by applying them. Therefore, it can be said that

philosophy of education reveals philosophical principles to solve the problems of education.

Following are the facts that can be observed in the context of philosophy of education -

(1) Philosophy of education presents solutions to various problems of education.

(2) Philosophy of education reveals the principle to solve the problems of education.

(3) Philosophy of education has the same dynamics as education. So, it is constantly

connected with education.

(4) Philosophy of education gives direction to the people involved in education, so that

they become aware of the future.

(5) Philosophy of education saves those engaged in education and helps in adjustment by

providing a coordinative approach.

(6) Philosophy of education provides the basis for the establishment of educational system

with philosophical outlook and tendency.

(7) Philosophy of education is helpful in developing a sense of philosophy, humanistic, and

inspired by the spirit of folklore.

(8) Philosophy of education is a critical study of philosophy, education and life.

(9) Philosophy of education is an integral subject area of pedagogy and philosophy.

(10) Philosophy of education is normative, because it determines the various principles,

rules, ideals related to the educational process.

(11) Philosophy of education consist of critical evaluation and systematic reflection upon

general theories.

(12) Philosophy of education is a synthesis of educational facts with educational values.

In brief, it is a philosophical process of solving educational problems through philosophical

method, from a philosophical attitude to arrive at philosophical conclusions and results. Thus, it

aims at achieving general as well as comprehensive results.

Need and Significance of Philosophy of Education

Need and significance of educational philosophy can be understood by him in terms of the

quality of solving various problems of education. The work of philosophy of education is to use

the truth and principles propounded by pure philosophy in the practical operation of the

educational process. This philosophical truth seeks to bring the relationship between the life and

conduct of the learner to the field of consciousness, and makes it logical, well-planned and more

immediate and effective. It attempts to instruct the teacher in establishing multi-faceted

relationships that he or she decides to teach the students, in forming habits and in gaining strength

and insight about the purposes and meanings of life.

Need and Significance of Philosophy of Education for a Teacher/ Teacher Educator

Philosophy of Education has an important role to play in preparing for a career in teaching.

It enables teachers to acquire a grasp of the conceptual field of education and an ability to find

their way around the often contested views within that field, which in turn impinge upon the

normative structure of particular education systems. It enables them to understand better the

conceptual debates that involve the subjects that they are teaching. And, it, also, enables teachers
 10

to understand the scope and limits of empirical research in education and the relationships between

that research and conceptual issues in education.

It can be understood that the need and significance of philosophy of education is from the

point of view of both the teacher and the learner. It gives both the teacher and the learner a

philosophical nature and approach to making life and behaviour informative, effective and

insightful.

Teachers are mentors and play an active role in inculcating independent thinking in

students. However, to do that as a teacher, one must have a teaching philosophy of one's own.

Students always look up to their teacher and therefore, it becomes necessary teachers to have

thoughts to inspire them. Following are some of the ways in which philosophy of education is

needed and significant for teacher/ teacher educator:

Helps to Decipher The Path of Learning

Teaching philosophy has been defined as the map, which provides directions to move

ahead. One may feel lost without a map. In the same way, one is going to be missed while teaching

if a specific path is not decided. Hence, a map is always needed to make informed movements. It

is not possible to make students learn something until the teacher knows why and how he/she

wants to teach. Once one knows the path, one will be helping his/ her students to plan to reach

their destinations.

To Be in the Shoes of the Students

By learning philosophy, a teacher would be able to view and analyse from the perspective

of their students. Apart from understanding why students are behaving in a particular way, teachers

would also be able to know how students perceive their actions. This helps them adapt better

teaching strategies and guidance, eventually resulting in improved results. Best of all, a teacher
 11

would be able to analyze his/her actions and understand the positives and negatives of their

methods. Just as if it helps students, it helps them as well. In other words, the educational

curriculum consisting of philosophy contributes to discovering the mind of the learner (student),

thus aid him/her in offering experiences and opportunities for cultivating his/her potential abilities.

So, it helps the teacher to decipher the deep things of the subject matter to be taught by

him. It will help in knowing the deep philosophy and mysteries of the life of the learner easily.

This allows the teacher to simplify his/ her teaching and develop proper understanding in the

learner. It helps the teacher to refine his activities and gets to learn how to operate properly.

To Avoid Being Judgemental

Philosophy of education also teaches a teacher the concept of not prejudicing the

personality of each student. A teacher needs to consider all students equal. But, this should not

affect the unique potential and capabilities of each student. Educators are required to teach

creativity, autonomy, and curiosity to all students without compromising their intellectual levels.

The idea is to avoid giving up on a pupil, who is a low-level learner. Philosophy teaches that

ideology, where one trains the students with an unbiased attitude.

Gives Practical Form to Teaching Activity

Philosophy of education not only helps the teacher to give practical form to his teaching

activity, but through this, the teacher is also successful in making assumptions by contemplating

the theoretical aspects. Each exercise a teacher does in class comes from a philosophy, whether it

is stated or unstated.

The philosophy is the overarching lesson plan, the long term lesson plan, and this gives the

reason why one is making an individual lesson. The lesson and activities in the lesson are the

WHAT. The philosophy is the WHY and the HOW.

For example, while teaching English as a Second Language. If a teacher's philosophy says

that learning a language is mostly about the nuts and bolts of the language, the grammar,

vocabulary and syntax. Every native speaker intrinsically knows these rules, for the most part, they

have a huge cache of vocabulary and collocation, and they have heard so many patterns of use that

they also have tremendous experience in syntax. So, the teacher just teaches what those rules are

and the translations to large numbers of vocabulary words!

Let’s say there is another philosophy that says that learning a language is about

experiencing the language in as real a context as possible. It is about volume over precision. It is

about communicating over grammatical expertise. It is about manipulating the language rather

than learning examples.

Lesson plans and activities coming from either of these philosophies will be completely

different. There will be some overlap and one is not 100% better than the other. Yet over the course

of time, and countless hours of research, experts have come to a decision that the second

philosophy is superior to the first. Volume over expertise is the way to go. The rules come later in

the process, the experience comes first. This is generally called the Communicative Approach as

apposed to the Grammar/Translation method.

With the help philosophy of education, the teacher is able to analyse the immediate

situation of teaching by understanding the philosophical basis of pedagogical method. As a result,

the teacher gets help from philosophy of education in choosing the pedagogical method and

imparting it practically.

Affects the Society

Teachers are termed as the future makers of the community. They help students choose

different professions and identities. They can leave profound impact on students and help them
 13

make independent decisions in the near future. The core values that students learn today are going

to be applied and used in society as they grow up. A solid philosophical background will help

ensure that these values are all positive. If a teacher believes in breaking stereotypes, there are high

chances your students will follow the same philosophical path. If one's philosophy is accepting the

already existing theories, rather than questioning them, one's students might follow his/ her path.

Understanding the philosophy of education will teach them the need to know the whys. Along with

the intellectual development of the students, it will also improve the standards of our society and

make us more rational.

Philosophy of education guides the teacher in the traditionalist approach, beliefs, time-

related changes in educational system and to embellish it with new dimensions. Through

educational philosophy, the teacher is able to analyse the merits and demerits of old beliefs,

systems, attitudes and improve them and incorporate novelty. Educational philosophy also plays

an important role in evaluating and assimilating the present elements of the present system.

To Develop Insight

It awakens the tendency of 'synthesis' in the teacher and develops insight. The subject

brings co-ordination in the diverse disciplines of knowledge. And with this, the teacher is able to

make his thematic lecture effective in a holistic way. Every teacher has common sense outlook on

education – But the common sense outlook breaks down if there is severe strain in formulating

long range educational policies. Hence, the need of philosophical outlook (giving thinking greater

scope, make thinking more logical) arises.

To Teach The Concept of Unification

Philosophy also teaches about unifying each pupil and the teacher as one body to ensure

harmony. The idea is to work together to create a better citizen, who diligently serves his
 14

community and keeps check on his/her morality. Through the philosophy of education, teachers

can understand how to deal with the students and unite them as one. Even the students will then

be able to confidently speak to the teacher as if he/she is their friend.

Therefore, it can be said that philosophy of education plays a very meaningful role in the

progress of the effectiveness and practicality of the teacher in his teacher. It makes the teacher

virtuous, humble, knowledge-rich. It helps in developing the teacher's style of conduct and

behaviour, socially-oriented approach, coordinative approach. It helps the teacher in establishing

symmetry in his words and actions. One becomes self-working and also inspires his/ her disciples

to become hard-working. It gives a new direction to his/ her life and teaching. In summary,

teaching is an indispensable and necessary subject matter for the teacher.

So, every teacher should be familiar with the nuances and basic beliefs of education

philosophy, and plan their teaching accordingly.

The modern era is ablaze with instruments, ideas, derived from scientific investigations.

While science has provided physical facilities, it has embodied the manufacture of some

destructive chemicals and warfare devices that can be world-wide. In such a situation, there is a

demand for proper management of education for the awakening of humanity, cooperation and

nature in the general public. There seems to be a need to stimulate education with value-added

objects. Therefore, educational philosophy can fulfil the role of a helper in the fulfilment of such

demand and need arising relative to time to a teacher. With the philosophy of education, the teacher

can provide an atmosphere of peace to the entire human race by discovering the values 'having

faith in human dignity' and by substituting them in the theoretical and text-related activities of his

teaching.
 15

Conclusion

Every teacher has common sense outlook on education – But the common sense outlook

breaks down if there is severe strain in formulating long range educational policies. Hence, the

need of philosophical outlook (giving thinking greater scope, make thinking more logical) arises

for a teacher/ teacher educator.

Summarizing the above discussion, the need and significance of philosophy of education

for a teacher/ teacher educator can be expressed as follows:

1. It helps the teacher to make his teaching practical.

2. It helps in determining objectives of education according to traditions of the country.

3. It provides basis for evaluation of traditional approach and coordination of new.

4. It helps the teacher to make changes in his teaching over time.

5. It is helpful in philosophical arrangement of education system.

6. It is helpful in making the teacher valueistic.

7. It is helpful for the multi-faceted development of the learner.

8. It is helpful in establishing humanity and establishing peace.

9. It helps the teacher to determine his / her life philosophy.

10. It is helpful in logical solutions to various problems of education.

References

Bhardwaj, J. S. (2015). शिक्षा के दािशशिक एवं समाजिास्त्रीय आधार (1ed.). Varanasi: Book Ocean Publication.

MEANING, SCOPE & FUNCTIONS OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION [Version of PDF-

Adobe Systems].(n.d.). Retrieved from

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/42eb/d727bf65a7efe47ed1ad9b629957d03ec3ba.pdf

Siegel, Harvey, D.C. Phillips, and Eamonn Callan, “Philosophy of Education”, The Stanford

Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2018 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Retrieved

from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2018/entries/education-philosophy/

Singh, S. K. (n.d.). MEANING OF PHILOSOPHY AND PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

LECTURE- I.

Singh, S. K. (n.d.). MEANING OF PHILOSOPHY AND PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

LECTURE- II.

Sharma, N. & Kulshreshtha, R. (2019). NTA UGC NET/JRF/SET EDUCATION PAPER-2 (5ed.).

Meerut: Arihant Publications.

Winch, C. (2012) For philosophy of education in teacher education, Oxford Review of

Education, 38:3, 305-322, DOI: 10.1080/03054985.2012.693299. Retrieved from

https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2012.693299

Why Is It Important For Teachers to Study Philosophy of Education. (n.d.). Edsys. Retrieved

from https://www.edsys.in/why-is-it-important-for-teachers-to-study-philosophy-of-

education/