REALISM

Realism:
 it emphasizes that “reality, knowledge, and value exist independent of the human
mind”.
 realists argue for the use of the senses and scientific investigation in order to discover
truth.

Key Philosophers:
Aristotle
 known as the father of realism and the Scientific Method. His pragmatic approach to
understanding an object, by understanding is form.

Locke
 believed in the tabula rasa, or blank slate view of mind.
 view that our sensory experiences represent material objects of the world.

Educational Implications:
 Within a realist educational philosophy, the curricular focus is on scientific research and
development.
 Teaching methods used in realism include:
o Demonstration
o Recitation
o Critical thinking
o Observation
o Experimentation
Questions:
1. Realism is a school of philosophy with origins in the work of Aristotle. This philosophy
emphasizes that __________?
Answer: reality, knowledge, and value exist independent of the human mind.

2. What is the curriculum focus on realism on educational implications?

Answer: The curricular focus is on scientific research and development.