Satuita, Renth Krystel M.

EDFD 201 - A

M.Ed. – Biology October 29, 2022

Reflection Paper #6: Idealism, Realism, Orientalism, Pragmatism

I. Summary of discussion
This week’s discussion covers four philosophies namely idealism, realism, orientalism, and pragmatism.

IDEALISM. Teacher-centered. Idealism is believed to be the oldest philosophy. Idealism came from the
root word “idea” which means a belief or opinion. The main proponent of this philosophy is Plato. The
Platonic Idealism believes that there exists a perfect realm of form. The realm of IDEAS is said to be the
absolute reality. This idea contradicts the Naturalism philosophy. The world of ideas is absolute (idealism)
while the world of matter (naturalism) is constantly changing. What exist in real life is false because what is
inside the mind is true and considered real. Ideas are separated from the world of matter. The world of idea
has the good, which is the absolute truth. When we say good it means that it is beautiful, perfect, and eternal.
Platonic Idealism proposed that education would help bring about a world in which individuals and society
are moved toward the good. Platonic Idealism uses Dialectic method in which there is a discussion that leads
to an agreement. There is what we call a thesis and an anti-thesis. A Dialectic method is a vehicle to attain a
perfect society. It is one way of training the mind. Idealism is a teacher-centered philosophy because the
teacher is required to reveal the implanted knowledge in students' subconscious and be a good role model
both as morally and culturally.

REALISM. Subject-centered. Realism is an anti-thesis to the Idealism philosophy. It is a philosophy that

rejects the realm of ideas or religion. The main proponent of this philosophy is Aristotle. The word "real"
refers to the actual or the existing in realism. It denotes those occurrences or objects that have their own
existence in the world. It opposes the fake or imaginary thing or event. It subscribes to the idea that
knowledge gained via the senses is accurate and that the world we see and experience through our own
senses is what it truly is. It asserts that while the physical world is factual and objective, one's own sentiments
and wishes are secondary and subjective. Realism tries to portray life as it is. There are three forms of realism
which are humanistic, social and sense. The basic principle of realism is that the phenomenal world is real,
and the senses are the gateways of learning. Realism is subject-centered because realists believed that the
curriculum is best organized according to subject matter.
 ORIENTALISM. Value-laden. Orientalism is based on Confucian and Buddhist teachings. The proponent
of Confucian philosophy is Confucius while the proponent of Buddhism philosophy is Buddha. Some people
believed that Buddhism is a religion, but it is beyond religion. It is a way of life. Buddhism allows us to
cultivate wisdom to regain our own intrinsic nature or our innate Buddha nature. The core of Buddhism is
about discipline, meditation and wisdom. Cultivating wisdom leads us to a happier life. The only way to get
rid of attachments and suffering is through practicing the Noble Eightfold Path. Noble Eightfold Path is one
of the principal teachings of Buddhism and is the fourth truths of Noble Four Truths and regarded by Buddha
as the medium to attain Enlightenment. It is also known as Middle way or Middle Path. The Noble Eightfold
Path is represented by means of Dharma wheel which is also known as Dharmachakra. The Eightfold Path
consists of eight practices: right view, right intention, right conduct, right action, right speech, right
concentration, and right mindfulness. Confucianism believed in the principle of Yi. It talks about the 5 human
relationship. Confucianism points out that education is the meaning and value of human life. Students at an
early age should be molded accordingly. Students are like a tree. Their values should be deep rooted so that
they will become a value-driven individual. Orientalism concentrates on having a well-trained mind and
body and a family that is well-run.

PRAGMATISM. Problem-centered. Pragmatism approach TRUTH in terms of practical usefulness. The

main proponent of Pragmatism is John Dewey. He popularized the idea of learning by doing. Education is
LIFE itself and it should have a social function. Pragmatism focuses on UTILITY. The four principles of
Pragmatism include utility, interest, experience and integration. In education, pragmatism is an approach to
learning and teaching that focuses on keeping things practical. Everything that students learn should have
‘utility’ which means that everything should be useful to the student. Curriculum content should also include
the students’ interests. Pragmatists value experience over all else. The curriculum content is not separate.
Science, math, and the arts are not taught in separate courses. Instead, through a process we refer to as
"integration," the pragmatic teacher connects the curriculum's material.

II. How can these learnings be applied to your classes?

As an educator, we can integrate this mentioned philosophy in our daily interaction with the students.
We can use two or more philosophies depending on the needs of our learners.
• As an idealist teacher, we should teach our students to think and ask more questions in an
environment that is conducive for learning; we should be as knowledgeable as possible so
that we can properly guide our students and give emphasis to thoughts and feelings.
 • As a realist teacher, we must encourage the learners to observe and experiment the natural
objects and phenomena so that learners will be able to find out new facts with respect of
construction of knowledge. We should inform our learners about the scientific discoveries,
inventions and research in different fields of knowledge. We should also disciple our
students based on love and sympathy.

• As an orientalist teacher, we should be able to strengthen the values of our students. We

should help them cultivate wisdom to regain our Buddha nature and most especially to
become filial to their parents. We should help then understand how important it is to have a
well-trained mind and body and a family that is well-run. If students have a strong
foundation in their values, they will be able to handle stresses and conflicts accordingly.

• As a pragmatic teacher, we should use things that are relevant and useful so that students
will be more engaged and eager to learn; teachers should focus on creating lessons that
involve talking with one another, investigating things through experimentation, making
things, and being creative; teachers should create a lot of project-based, experimental, and
experiential lessons that help children ‘learn by doing’. The teacher will show students how
concepts from different subjects are related to each other and encourage a holistic
understanding of the topics they are learning.

III. Conclusion on the topic discussed and your role as an educator.

An educator’s main responsibility is their students. We should be able to help then see and
create a Filipino perfect society. By knowing and understanding idealism, realism, orientalism, and
pragmatism, we will be able to create and make a difference to our Philippine education system. We
should be easily disheartened with the negative trends of education instead we should fully equip
ourselves so that we can help actualize our main purpose and goal.