Unit 2: Philosophical
Theories of Education
Idealism, Naturalism,
Pragmatism, Humanism
Aspects: Aims, Methods, Curriculum, Discipline, Role of
the teacher
Idealism
Meaning of Idealism
A ‘monistic’ philosophy
● Mind or spirit is the ultimate basis for everything in this
world
● True reality is of mental character rather than material or
physical
● Ideas and not objects are eternal and rule this universe
● Man- a spiritual being
Basic Principles
● Ideas are final
● Man is spiritual in nature
● Belief in Universal Mind
● Belief in ‘Apriori’ knowledge
● Truth is subjective
● Knowledge and Truth is different
● Faith in eternal values
Idealism in Education
Educates the child for two reasons
● A spiritual necessity
● A social necessity
Idealism and Aims of Education
Welfare of the individual
Good for the society
● The exaltation of Personality or Self-realization
● Universal Education
● To cultivate Truth, Beauty and Goodness
● Development of Inventive, creative powers and will
power
● Development of Physical and Moral sense
Idealism and Methods of Teaching
Butler: Idealists consider themselves creators and
determines of methods, not devotees of some one method.
Not specific and definite method of teaching
Creators of methods and not any slave of any particular
method
Classroom Practices- Discussion, question answer, lecture
method,etc
Idealism and Curriculum
● Emphasis on subjects which provides significant
knowledge and wisdom, aids moral and spiritual
development
● Human activities [intellectual- moral- aesthetic]
● Subjects: culture, fine arts, history, philosophy, literature,
religion,science, mathematics, language,physical
education etc.
● Cautious but not against teaching of Science and
technology
Idealism and Discipline
● Doesn’t favour free discipline
● Strict discipline necessary for
self-realization
● Emphasized impressionistic discipline
● Spontaneous and self-imposed control
Idealism and Role of the Teacher
● Supreme and important
● A Gardener
● Embodiment of right conduct in thought, word
and deed
● Attain self-realization
● Guides students towards perfection
Idealists about Educators
Sri Aurobindo: “He is a man helping his brothers, a
child leading other children, a light kindling other lights,
an awakened soul awakening other souls.”
Gandhi: “ education of the heart could only be done
through the living touch of the teacher.”
Naturalism
Meaning of Naturalism
● Nature is everything and nothing is beyond it
● Does not believe in God
● There is no ideal or supreme values
● Knowledge is obtained by observing nature at work
James Ward: “Naturalism is the doctrine which separates
nature from God, subordinates spirit to matter and sets up
unchangeable laws as supreme.”
Basic Principles
● Belief in Nature
● Belief in Science
● No faith in Soul or Spirit
● Development of Human Personality is due to the
interaction of Heredity and Environment
● Innate Goodness of Children
● Everything Natural is Beautiful and Valuable
● Superiority of Empirical Knowledge
Naturalism and Aims of Education
● Self- expression
● Make the human machine good as possible
● Redirection and sublimation of natural instincts
● Equip the individual for the Struggle of Existence
● Development of individuality
● Sensory Training
Naturalism and Methods of Teaching
● Principle of growth, Principle of Pupil- activity
and Principle of individualization
● Play-way method
● Observation and Experiments
● Negative Education
Naturalism and Curriculum
● No rigid curriculum
● Study of Sciences
● Focal Point
● Study of Past Experience
Naturalism and Discipline
● Maximum freedom to the child
● Discipline by Natural Consequences
Naturalism and Role of the Teacher
● An observer
● Understands child psychology
● The Stage -Setter
Contributions of Naturalism and Education
● Psychologising the Educational Practices
● Paedocentric Education
● Freedom in learning situations
● Teacher’s interference and dominance are
marginalized
● Holistic Tendency in the curriculum offered
● Advocacy residential schools and co-education
Think up and write
down everything
that you can
imagine using the
item for—besides
its originally Imagine yourself being in
intended function. different settings
