Thursday, 18 September 2025

Complete Note on Philosophical Foundations of Education (As Per NEP-2020 Syllabus)- Unit-II: Western Schools of Philosophy and Educational Implications

 

Table of Contents

Click Here for Unit-I: Education in Philosophical Perspective

Click Here for  Unit-III: Indian Schools of Philosophy and Educational Implications

2.1 Idealism

Key Philosophers: Plato, Socrates, Hegel, Kant, Fichte, T.P. Nunn

Basic Principles of Idealism

1.     Reality is spiritual - Mind/spirit is the ultimate reality

2.     Ideas are eternal - Universal truths exist independently

3.     Mind over matter - The Mental world is more important than the physical world

4.     Human dignity - Man is the noblest creation of God

5.     Moral values - Truth, beauty, and goodness are absolute

Educational Implications of Idealism

Educational Aspect

Idealistic Approach

Aims of Education

- Self-realization

- Character development

- Spiritual growth

- Moral perfection

Curriculum

- Humanities emphasised

- Literature, philosophy, history

- Religious and moral education

- Classical languages

Methods of Teaching

- Lecture method

- Discussion and dialogue

- Question-answer

- Meditation and reflection

Role of the Teacher

- Spiritual guide

- Moral exemplar

- Authority figure

- Next to God in status

Discipline

- Strict discipline

- Self-control

- Moral restraint

- Punishment for wrongdoing

Merits and Demerits of Idealism

Merits:

·       Emphasises moral and spiritual development

·       Recognises human dignity and worth

·       Provides clear educational guidelines

·       Promotes cultural preservation

Demerits:

·       Neglects practical and vocational education

·       Too much emphasis on bookish knowledge

·       Authoritarian approach to teaching

·       Ignores individual differences

2.2 Naturalism

Key Philosophers: Rousseau, Spencer, Pestalozzi, Froebel, Montessori

Basic Principles of Naturalism

1.     Nature is everything - No reality beyond nature

2.     Child is naturally good - Society corrupts natural goodness

3.     Follow nature - Education should be according to natural development

4.     Freedom is essential - A Child should have the freedom to grow

5.     Experience-based learning - Knowledge comes through the senses

Educational Implications of Naturalism

Educational Aspect

Naturalistic Approach

Aims of Education

- Natural development

- Self-expression

- Adaptation to the environment

- Present happiness

Curriculum

- Science subjects emphasised

- Practical activities

- Nature study

- Physical education

Methods of Teaching

- Learning by doing

- Play-way method

- Observation and experience

- Heuristic method

Role of the Teacher

- Passive observer

- Stage-setter

- Facilitator

- Secondary to nature

Discipline

- Natural consequences

- Self-discipline

- Freedom with responsibility

- No external punishment

 

 

Merits and Demerits of Naturalism

Merits:

·       Child-centred education

·       Emphasises practical learning

·       Promotes individual freedom

·       Scientific approach to education

Demerits:

·       Neglects spiritual and moral values

·       Unlimited freedom may lead to chaos

·       Ignores social responsibilities

·       May not prepare for future challenges

2.3 Pragmatism

Key Philosophers: John Dewey, William James, Kilpatrick, Charles Pierce

Basic Principles of Pragmatism

1.     Truth is what works - Practical utility determines truth

2.     Experience is central - Learning through experience

3.     Change is constant - Reality is in the process of making

4.     Democracy in education - Shared experiences and cooperation

5.     Problem-solving approach - Education solves life problems

Educational Implications of Pragmatism

Educational Aspect

Pragmatic Approach

Aims of Education

- Social efficiency

- Problem-solving ability

- Democratic citizenship

- Continuous growth

Curriculum

- Experience-centered

- Integration of subjects

- Practical and useful knowledge

- Flexible and changing

Methods of Teaching

- Project method

- Problem-solving method

- Experimental method

- Learning by doing

Role of the Teacher

- Friend and guide

- Co-learner

- Facilitator

- Democratic leader

Discipline

- Social discipline

- Self-control through cooperation

- Natural consequence

- Group responsibility

Merits and Demerits of Pragmatism

Merits:

·       Democratic approach to education

·       Practical and useful education

·       Develops problem-solving skills

·       Encourages social cooperation

Demerits:

·       Neglects absolute values

·       May lack clear direction

·       Over-emphasises present utility

·       May ignore cultural heritage

2.4 Existentialism

Key Philosophers: Kierkegaard, Sartre, Camus, Jaspers, Heidegger

Basic Principles of Existentialism

1.     Existence precedes essence - The Individual creates their own nature

2.     Individual freedom - Complete freedom of choice

3.     Personal responsibility - Responsible for own choices

4.     Authenticity - Being true to oneself

5.     Subjectivity - Personal experience is most important

Educational Implications of Existentialism

Educational Aspect

Existentialist Approach

Aims of Education

- Self-understanding

- Authenticity

- Freedom of choice

- Personal responsibility

Curriculum

- Humanities emphasised

- Literature and arts

- Philosophy and psychology

- Flexible and individual

Methods of Teaching

- Self-directed learning

- Individual attention

- Dialogue and discussion

- Creative expression

Role of the Teacher

- Facilitator

- Co-explorer

- Counselor

- Non-directive guide

Discipline

- Self-discipline

- Personal choice

- Natural consequences

- Individual responsibility

Merits and Demerits of Existentialism

Merits:

·       Emphasises individual uniqueness

·       Promotes freedom and creativity

·       Develops personal responsibility

·       Encourages authentic living

Demerits:

·       May lead to excessive individualism

·       Neglects social responsibilities

·       Can result in moral relativism

·       Difficult to implement in mass education

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