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Idealism Realism Pragmatism
Idealism Realism Pragmatism
• Aristotle
– 384-322 B.C.
• He was a student at
Plato’s Academy
• He opened his own
school, The Lyceum.
Aristotle’s Ontology
• Prime Matter
– Principle of Potentiality
• Pure Form
– Principle of Actuality
• FORM and MATTER are
separate concepts, but
they are never found
alone, but matter is prior
to form.
PURE
FORM Mind Rationality Law
Actuality
PURE Examples
MATTER Body Materiality of
behavior
Potentiality
=
• The Universe is one of orderly Aristotle’s
•
design
All things exist according to a
Epistemology
rational design
• All things have a rational
function or purpose.
– Acorns become Oak trees, not Elm
trees
• Man’s defining characteristic is
Rationality.
– Homo Sapiens- the rational
animal.
• Syllogistic Logic
– All men are mortal
– Socrates is a man
– Therefore, Socrates is Mortal
THEORY OF CASUATION Aristotle’s
Epistemology
Material Matter Wood,nails
Axiology
• The good life is attained through
scientific skepticism.
– Examine all previously accepted
knowledge.
The Four
Idols
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
• Absolutist- The search for “TRUTH”- True Ideas
• Rationalist- The search for truth is a rational process. Thus,
to be educated, is to reason effectively.
• Subjectivist- Individuals should strive for self-realization
• Character Development
– Wisdom
– Moral conviction
– Good will
– Loyalty
METHOD of
EDUCATION
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
• Depth over breadth
• Concepts over specific facts
• Confront problems that arise from the “human condition.”
• “Self-Directed” learning
• Lecture to stimulate thought, not to convey information
CURRICULUM
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
• Materials that promote “critical thinking.”
• Focus on reading and writing.
• Reading materials should foster discussion of “big ideas.”
• Classic works are favored because they have passed the
test of time.
• Student writing should emphasize both personal
expression and clear reasoning.
ROLE OF THE
TEACHER
Idealism As A
Philosophy of Education
Traditional Progressive
John Dewey – 1 imposition from expression and
and Education 2
3
external discipline
learning from
free activity
learning through
p. 19 4
text/teachers
acquire them as
experience
attaining ends which
means of make
by drill direct vital appeal
5 prepare for remote make most of present
future opportunities
6 static aims and awareness of changing
materials world
Ontology