A philosophy is often defined as the foundation upon which knowledge is based.

However, when you break apart the

actual word, a much different meaning emerges. Derived from the Greek “philos,” which means love, and “sophos,”
which means wisdom, the actual meaning of the word philosophy is love of wisdom

Western education refers to the educational systems that have developed in Western Europe and North
America over centuries. These systems are characterized by a number of features, including:

 Formal schooling: Education is typically provided in a formal setting, such as a school or

university, by trained teachers.
 Standardized curriculum: There is a set curriculum that all students are expected to follow,
although there is some variation between schools and countries.
 Emphasis on individual achievement: Students are encouraged to compete and excel
academically.
 Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: The curriculum is designed to develop students'
critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
 Secularism: Education is typically secular, meaning that it is not based on any particular religion.

Perennialism in Education: Emphasizing Enduring Knowledge- Basic education, time-tested contents

Perennialism is a philosophy of education that emphasizes the importance of teaching eternal, universal
truths and unchanging principles that transcend time and culture. Here are some key characteristics:

Focus on Enduring Knowledge:

 Perennialists believe that education should center on "perennial" knowledge - truths and
principles that hold value regardless of historical period or geographical location.
 These include subjects like logic, ethics, mathematics, literature, and philosophy.
 This involves critical thinking, logical analysis, and the ability to distinguish truth from opinion.
 Perennialists often advocate for a "Great Books" curriculum (to study heroes and models of society,
and to understand concepts that underlie human knowledge), emphasizing the study of classic texts
from various disciplines and civilizations.
 Engaging with these timeless works is believed to expose students to enduring ideas and foster
intellectual development.

Teacher as Guide:

It would appear to be standard concepts in today’s educational systems, particularly in top tier traditional
Philippine universities such as the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Centro Escolar
University, and Ateneo University.

Idealism, as applied to education, emphasizes the importance of ideas, values, and the development
of the whole individual, including their intellectual and moral character. It views education as a process of
self-realization, where students discover their full potential and cultivate a deep understanding of
themselves and the world. Here are some key characteristics:

Focus on Ideas and Values:

 Idealist educators prioritize exposing students to great ideas from various disciplines - literature,
history, philosophy, and the arts.
 The aim is to cultivate critical thinking, develop a strong moral compass, and instill appreciation
for enduring values like truth, justice, and beauty.

Student Development:
  Beyond acquiring knowledge, idealist education emphasizes the intellectual and moral
development of the individual.
 Teachers act as mentors and guides, fostering critical thinking, independent judgment, and
ethical decision-making.

The study of national heroes and stock characters in fable or mythology (e. g., Malakas and Maganda, Juan
Tamad) has long been a part of the national curriculum at the primary and secondary levels. The ideal
family, home, and community in the now-extinct Pepe and Pilar elementary reading books have been
supplanted by beautiful mistresses in telenovelas as well as absconding bankers and graft-ridden millionaire
politicians serving as – sad but true – models of success to many young and even not-so-young Filipinos.

Ads promote fair skin over the natural golden brown skin, as well as golden hair coloring over the natural
glossy black hair of Filipinos. On the other hand, schools continue to teach honesty, thrift, and industry as
well as professionalism by lauding excellence shown by Filipino media heroes here and abroad, even as
many teachers fail to be ideal role models.

Several Western philosophies have significantly influenced the development of Philippine education. Here
are some prominent examples:

Realism

Vocational, technical, IT, and other skills-oriented courses would appear to combine elements from the theory
of Realism and Experimentalism where the emphasis is on practice, real-life skills, and personally useful ideas.
However, the aforementioned element of Idealism remains strong: teachers have traditionally played central roles in
class and most students are still comfortable with passive-dependent receivers and duplicators of information.

In the Philippines, familiar practical curricula such as automotive mechanics, nursing, medicine, midwifery, and
carpentry have been augmented by courses such as computer programming, physical therapy, aircraft
mechanics, vermiculture, and greenhouse farming.

Realism in education is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of

understanding and interacting with the natural world through objective observation,
experimentation, and practical application of knowledge. It focuses on equipping students
with the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively in a real-world context.

Here are some key characteristics of realism in education:

Focus on the Tangible World:

 Realists believe that education should primarily focus on the observable and tangible
aspects of the world around us, including science, mathematics, and practical skills.

Existentialism

Public basic education in the Philippines seems to combine elements of Perennialism and Existentialism. A
cornerstone concept held by the theory of Existentialism is that education’s main goal is to “develop authentic
individuals who exercise freedom of choice and take responsibility for their actions” (Anon. [d]). In practice, however,
this is tempered by the Perennialist concept of teachers as authoritarian figures in class who develop dependent
followers.

Under this theory, students are in control of their learning experiences and assume responsibility for their actions. The
proliferation of online courses and independent learning proves that many subscribe to this philosophy, perhaps even
without knowing it.

Progressivism:
  John Dewey's philosophy of progressivism heavily influenced Philippine education, particularly
following independence.
 Dewey's ideas focused on active learning, student-centered approaches, and connecting
education to real-world experiences. These principles resonated with the newly independent
Philippines aiming to empower its citizens and prepare them for a democratic society.
 This philosophy continues to be influential, shaping curriculum design and teaching methods in
various levels of Philippine education.
 Also called Progressivism, the theory of Experimentalism is the view that everything is changing. Reality is
what one experiences. This theory relates to social problems and societal discovery. This theory contends that
means and ends are equally valuable, and the person is free to choose the ends and the means to achieve those
ends. Experimentalism includes notions of Pragmatism, Instrumentalism, and Empiricism

It is important to remember that these Western philosophical influences have been integrated and
adapted to the unique socio-cultural context of the Philippines. The country's education system
continues to evolve, incorporating indigenous Filipino values and addressing contemporary challenges
like building a globally competitive workforce and fostering a strong national identity.

Western education systems have been highly influential around the world, and many countries have
adopted elements of these systems into their own educational systems. However, it is important to note
that Western education is not without its critics. Some argue that it is too focused on rote memorization and
standardized testing, and that it does not adequately prepare students for the challenges of the 21st
century.