Realism

Presented by:

Overview
Definition of Realism
Key Philosophers
Effects on Education
Group Activity

Realism
Things exist whether or not the human

mind perceives them.

Objects are characterized by their
properties, such as:
Size
Shape

Weight
Color

Each of these acorns is different based

upon their:
size
various shapes
different weights
range of colors
However, they
each retain
the universal
property that
can be called
acornness.

Aristotle
Classical Realist
Aristotle believed

that everything has

a purpose or
function.
He believed in a
Golden Mean
there should be no
lack or excess.

Aristotles syllogism moves from

specifics to generalizations:

Sound comes from things that exist

A falling tree
makes sound

Therefore, the tree exists.

Thomas Aquinas
Religious Realist
Believed only God

teaches. We, the

teachers, motivate.
Primary agencies of
education are
family, God, and
state, respectively.

Sir Francis Bacon

Modern Realist
Did not have the

presupposition of
God
Is considered the
father of the
inductive method

The inductive method moves to

generalizations from specifics:
A tree creates sound waves as it falls.
Sound waves are moving patterns of air

compression.
These compressions are heard as sound
when they strike the eardrum.
All falling trees create air compression
patterns.
Therefore, all trees create sound as they
fall.

John Locke
Modern Realist
His major contribution

was the development of

an acute awareness of
experience.
We are born tabula rasa
(as a blank slate).
Formulated the doctrine
of substance.

John R. Searle
Contemporary Realist
The external world exists

independent of human
thought.
Consciousness is as
much an ordinary
biological phenomenon
as is digestion.

Realism in the Classroom

Focuses on the basics of

reading, writing and

arithmetic.
Classroom environment is
highly structured and
organized.
Utilization of standardized
testing.
Education should be fun
and interesting for the
student.
Education should prepare
students for life in the real
world.

Advantages of Realism
Teachers:
It gives testing results that can help prove
that the students are learning the material
Parents:
gives a parent something tangible to look at
School Corporation:
State and Federal funding dollars come from
how well students perform on mandated
testing

Disadvantages of Realism:
Teachers:
Teachers are held accountable for how their
students perform on standardized testing.
Parents:
When a childs score isnt what the parents
expect it to be the parent looks for someone
to blame.
School Corporation:
Schools can lose valuable funds because of
test scores.

Activity
Arrange yourselves into your presentation

groups.
As a group, work to use the parts provided to
create a functioning machine.
When finished, your machine should
successfully crack the shell of the provided
nuts.
The groups that accomplish this task in the
time allowed will receive a snack!