Q.No.

Classical and modern philosophies in relation to

education.

The term metaphysics literally means “beyond the physical.” This area of philosophy focuses on the
nature of reality. Metaphysics attempts to find unity across the domains of experience and thought. At
the metaphysical level, there are four* broad philosophical schools of thought that apply to education
today. They are idealism, realism, pragmatism (sometimes called experientialism), and
existmetaphysica.These four general frameworks provide the root or base from which the various
educational philosophies are derived.

• A fifth metaphysical school of thought, called Scholasticism, is largely applied in Roman Catholic
schools in the educational philosophy called “Thomism.” It combines idealist and realist
philosophies in a framework that harmonized the ideas of Aristotle, the realist, with idealist
notions of truth. Thomas Aquinas, 1255-127, was the theologian who wrote “Summa
Theological,” formalizing church doctrine. The Scholasticism movement encouraged the logical
and philosophical study of the beliefs of the church, legitimizing scientific inquiry within a
religious framework.

Two of these general or world philosophies, idealism and realism, are derived from the ancient Greek
philosophers, Plato and Aristotle. Two are more contemporary, pragmatism and existentialism.
Idealism

Idealism is a philosophical approach that has as its central tenet that ideas are the only true reality, the
only thing worth knowing. In a search for truth, beauty, and justice that is enduring and everlasting, the
focus is on conscious reasoning in the mind. Plato, father of Idealism, espoused this view about 400
years BC, in his famous book, The Republic. Plato believed that there are two worlds. The first is the
spiritual or mental world, which is eternal, permanent, orderly, regular, and universal. There is also the
world of appearance, the world experienced through sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound, that is
changing, imperfect, and disorderly.

In idealism, the aim of education is to discover and develop each individual’s abilities and full moral
excellence in order to better serve society. The curricular emphasis is subject matter of mind: literature,
history, philosophy, and religion. Teaching methods focus on handling ideas through lecture, discussion,
and Socratic dialogue (a method of teaching that uses questioning to help students discover and clarify
knowledge). Introspection, intuition, insight, and whole-part logic are used to bring to consciousness the
forms or concepts which are latent in the mind.

Realism

Realists believe that reality exists independent of the human mind. The ultimate reality is the world of
physical objects. The focus is on the body/objects. Truth is objective-what can be observed. Aristotle, a
student of Plato who broke with his mentor’s idealist philosophy, is called the father of both Realism
and the scientific method. In this metaphysical view, the aim is to understand objective reality through
“the diligent and unsparing scrutiny of all observable data.” Aristotle believed that to understand an
object, its ultimate form had to be understood, which does not change. For example, a rose exists
whether or not a person is aware of it. A rose can exist in the mind without being physically present, but
ultimately, the rose shares properties with all other roses and flowers (its form), although one rose may
be red and another peach colored. Aristotle also was the first to teach logic as a formal discipline in
order to be able to reason about physical events and aspects. The exercise of rational thought is viewed
as the ultimate purpose for humankind.
Pragmatism (Experientialism)

For pragmatists, only those things that are experienced or observed are real. In this late 19 th century
American philosophy, the focus is on the reality of experience. Unlike the Realists and Rationalists,
Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and that we learn best through applying our
experiences and thoughts to problems, as they arise. The universe is dynamic and evolving, a
“becoming” view of the world. There is no absolute and unchanging truth, but rather, truth is what
works. Pragmatism is derived from the teaching of Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914), who believed
that thought must produce action, rather than linger in the mind and lead to indecisiveness. For
Pragmatists, teaching methods focus on hands-on problem solving, experimenting, and projects, often
having students work in groups. Curriculum should bring the disciplines together to focus on solving
problems in an interdisciplinary way.

Existentialism

The nature of reality for Existentialists is subjective, and lies within the individual. The physical world has
no inherent meaning outside of human existence. Individual choice and individual standards rather than
external standards are central. Existence comes before any definition of what we are. We define
ourselves in relationship to that existence by the choices we make. We should not accept anyone else’s
predetermined philosophical system; rather, we must take responsibility for deciding who we are. The
focus is on freedom, the development of authentic individuals, as we make meaning of our lives.
 Q.No.2

Eastern vs Western Philosophy

Generally, Western philosophy of education comprises two schools, which are traditional and modern. It
has its roots in Athens, Rome and Judeo- Christianity, whereas Eastern philosophy is derived from Islam,
Confucianism, Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism.

Have you ever wondered about the differences between Eastern and Western philosophies? Apart from
geographical locations, these two parts of the world have differences in their way of life and the
approach to life in general. These ways of living are not only brought about by topography and physical
circumstances that play crucial factors in living, but also the school of thought that governs the major
societies in the Eastern and Western part of the globe.

Let us take a look first at what “philosophy” is in general and how it affects and makes differences on
Western and Eastern society. Generally, “philosophy” is universally defined as “the study of the wisdom
or knowledge about the general problems, facts, and situations connected with human existence,
values, reasons, and general reality.” It seeks reasons, answers, and general explanations to life and its
factors. Thus, if we talk about philosophy, we talk about a school of thoughts. And if we connect it with
our topic, it differs and comes with the realities, problems, and situations of certain people like, in this
case, the East and the West.

Basically, Western philosophy is referred to as the school of thought from Greek philosophy that
influenced the greater part of Western civilization. In contrary, the Eastern philosophy is based mainly
in Asia, more specifically the Chinese philosophy. Moreover, Western philosophy takes its roots from
Rome and Christianity, specifically Judeo-Christianity. Eastern philosophy, on the other hand, is from
Confucianism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Taoism. Thus is it safe to say that Eastern philosophy is classical
Chinese, while Western philosophy is more Latin in its roots.

The main differences between the school of thought or the philosophies of the East and West are the
West’s Individualism and the East’s Collectivism. The Eastern philosophy is drawn much more into
groups or society or people’s actions and thoughts as one in order to find meaning in life as they try to
get rid of the false “me” concept and find meaning in discovering the true “me” in relation to everything
around them, or as part of a bigger scheme. In contrast, the Western civilization is more individualistic,
trying to find the meaning of life here and now with self at the center as it is already given and part of
the divine.

Let us take a deeper look into more of the aspects or problems or issues these two philosophies try to
make sense of. The main principle of the Eastern philosophy is unity. This cosmological unity is the main
point in the journey of life as it goes towards the eternal realities. Life is round, and the recurrence with
everything around it is important. Ethics is based on behavior, and dependence is from the inside to the
outside. In order to be liberated, the inner self must be freed first in accordance to the world around it.

Western philosophy, on the other hand, is based on self-dedication to be of service to others. Life
is service to God, money, community, and so on. Due to its Christian influence, there has to be a
beginning and end to find meaning. Linear as it seems, Western philosophy is logical, scientific, and
rational compared to the East’s concept of eternal and recurring.

Eastern philosophy also thrives on virtues. This would be explained with the selfless approach to life.
Satisfaction with what one has is the key. Meanwhile, Western philosophy focuses on ethics. As
individuals, one must do what is supposed to be done without causing ill to others. Success is based on
how much one walks his path without hurting others. Eastern philosophy is also more about the
spiritual while Western philosophy is more of a hands-on style. The difference is the “I” of the West,
and the “We” of the East, as one focuses on finding truth and meaning.

Summary:

Western philosophy is mainly used in the Western parts of the world, such as in the European countries,
while the Eastern philosophy is prevalent in Asian countries. Western philosophy deals with
Individualism while Eastern Philosophy is related to Collectivism. Both philosophies center on virtues.

Eastern philosophy takes more of a spiritual approach while Western philosophy is more hands-on.
Q.NO3 The impact of imam Ghazali and ibn-e-Khaldune is still visible in over present day education
system. Discuss at with real life examples.

IMAN GHAZALI (1058-1111)

Abu Hamid Al-Ghazzali is one of most important scholars of Islamic thought. He was a philosopher, a
legal scholar, a theologian and a mystical thinker. Iman Ghazali was an expert in the field of fiqh al-Asy’
air. Coming at a time when there were many disputations between philosophers and theologians,
between rationalists and traditionalists and the Mystical and the orthodox, he tried to bridge these
divisions. His IhyaUlum al-Din, The Revival of Religious Sciences embarks on a massive endeavor to find a
golden mean between and these diverging trends. Iman Ghazali was a teacher at University of
Nidzamiyah, Baghdad.

Al-Gazali’s philosophy education is based upon Islamic perspective on education, in which Al-Ghazali’s
predisposition towards understanding and integration of numerous intellectual schools is apparent. He
go recognition as mystical, legal and philosophical educational thinker.

For Al-Ghazali’s philosophy of education is based upon Islamic perspective on education, in which Al-
Ghazali’s predisposition towards understanding and integration of numerous intellectual schools is
apparent. He got recognition as mystical, legal and philosophical education of department.

Al-Ghazali stressed that education is not limited to train or fill the mind, instead it involves all aspects of
learner such as religious, intellectual, physical and moral. True learning affects behavior of learner. It
enables learner to apply practical use of his/her knowledge. Teachers must concentrate on the religious
education. Children just also be taught everything they need to know about the precepts of religious
law, and must learn not eat forbidden food, steal some one others things, act disloyally or do anything
which is not appropriate for them. Al Ghazali said that teachers should consider the differences in ability
and character among student, and deal with everyone appropriately.

IBNE-KHALDUN (1332-1406 AD)

Ibne Khaldun was a philosopher of history and the first social scientist. Ibn e Khaldun has made three
most significant contribution to social sciences. Heobtained his basic education from his father who was
a renowned scholar. He was keenly interested in tradition, grammar, poetry, language and law. He also
studied Philosophy, theology, logic, and other Islamic subjects. He learnt Quran by heart. Ibn-e-Khaldun
was an expert in fiqh, nahu, hadith, rhetoric, poetry and philosophy.

Ibne Khaldun had described the education process in the perspective of the development of society. He
illustrated his theory of education in the framework of Islamic society and focused his attention on the
education from a religious and ethical point of view. The Muqaddima contains a systematic treatment of
the philosophy of history. Besides this it contains his views on the aspects of state, society and
education.

According to Ibne Khuldun, thinking ability is human beings’ special gift of God. The faculty of reflective
thinking is the source of knowledge. It distinguisher man from animals. It is of three types:
 i. Discerning intelligence: it enables and man to understand the order of things.
ii. Experimental intelligence: it enables man to be receptive to opinions and teacher him rules of
conduct.
iii. Speculative intelligence: it gives insight about the general iea of things existing according to
species, classes and their primary and secondary causes.
iv. Discuss at with real life examples.

 Introduce students to your research - make it personal. It inspires students.

 Task students with bringing examples of real-world experiences and problems to
the class.
 Bring experience into the classroom through guest speakers, engaging students in
case studies, or field work
 Engage students in community work, such as service learning. Learn more
about service learning.
 Bring in ethics (e.g. Hurricane Sandy preparedness and subsequent lawsuits): this
makes connections between disciplines and is centered around current events.
Ethics also broaches topics related to responsibilities: What are your
responsibilities as a citizen, property owner, or professional?
 Develop empathy for others' life experience and point of view. Some strategies for
building this perspective include sensory mapping, real or cyber ethnography,
service or community based learning, literature and media assignments, role-
playing and games that look at contrasting narrative, arc of story, point of view, and
evolution through time. Reflection is an important tool and can provide a gradeable
product in the form of a journal, paper, or exam/assignment question.