MPPC 1313: PHILOSOPHY AND

CURRICULUM THOUGHTS
MAJOR PHILOSOPHIES OF EDUCATION
Idealism and Progressivism

Presented by:
Muhammad Azwan Bin Basaruddin
KAMARUL ARIFFIN BIN KHAMIS
Idealism
1. Their views about metaphysics, epistemology,
axiology and logic.
Their views on
a) education
b) school
c) school curriculum
d) roles of students and teachers
e) teaching methods
 Introduction to Idealism

 Human life has two dimensions- Spiritual and Material. When

the emphasis is on the spiritual life, it is called Idealism. 
 The word idealism is derived from two distinct sources- the
idea and the ideal. Idea means true and testified knowledge.
The word ideal stands for the perfected form of an idea or
ideas. 
 A thinker who idolizes ‘Mind and Self’ is an idealist.
 An idealist does not have considerations for material values of
life.
 Introduction to Idealism

  The fundamental principles of idealism are as under-TWO FORMS OF

THE WHOLE WORLD.:-Spiritual world and material world.
 They believe that spiritual world is real and the ultimate truth where as
the material world is transitory and mortal.
 To know the reality of the spiritual world is to know the reality of mind
and soul. 
 Example : To an idealist, the concept of “chair” is important. You could
destroy all the chairs in the world but they would still exist in the mind.
The idea of a chair is the ultimate truth.
 View From A Different
Metaphysics
Perspectives
• The person with an Idealistic worldview believes that reality is basically spirit, rather than matter.
• For the Idealist, the idea is more real than the thing, since the thing only reflects or represents the idea.
• Students have freedom to make decision and rationality, also to emphasize on deliver their ideas.
epistemology
• believe that knowledge results from the mind grasping reality.
• Children are stimulated to generate their own ideas.

Axiology
- Because of the values are absolute, education must present tradition values that are important and priceable.
- Teachers are recommended to give appreciations to children for positive behaviors and tell them when they make mistakes
- Education is emphasized for middle class people.
.
Logic
- Believe that knowledge results from the mind grasping reality.
- Teacher implements deductive logic to organize lesson.
 Views On Education
1
Self-realization
• The function of education is to enable individuals to realize self so as
to establish harmony between his nature and the ultimate nature of
this universe.

2
Development of moral sense
• The most important aim of education is to develop moral sense so that he may
be able to distinguish between the right and the wrong.
• Education should develop the will power of the child so that he may follow the
good and reject the evil. These virtues can be developed by correct appreciation
of truth
3
Enrichment of culture
•Idealist believe that man himself is the creator of cultural environment. Religion,
morality, art, literature, mathematics and science are the product of man’s moral &
intellectual and aesthetic activity.
•Therefore education should aim at teaching the child the importance of culture
and its components. He should contribute to his culture and make every effort to
 Views On Education
4
Development of initiatives
• Man should modify his environment according to his own purpose,
needs through his initiative and creative skill.
• • Education should form character, strength of mind, expand intellect
by which one stands on his own feet and manifest divinity.
5
Universal education
• Self realization should not be an experience of a chosen few. Since it
is universal all the individuals should realize self, and education
should aim at this.

6
Exaltation of human personality
• Idealism believes that human personality is of supreme value and
constitutes the noblest work of God.
•Therefore the supreme aim of education is to exalt the self which
implies self-realization. Education should help an individual to become a
perfect pattern.
 Views On school
Provide
To sharpen
appropriate
intellectual
educational
process
materials

To present
To present the models of
wisdom of ages behavior
exemplary
 Views On Curriculum
Preference is given to the
whole human race. Idealism
aims at developing a true
sense of appreciation of
truth, goodness, beauty, (ie)
attainment of spiritual
perfection
Idealist philosophy insists
on the creation of sound
mind in a sound body,
neccessitates the
maintenance of bodily health
through proper physical
activities.

Idealist curriculum
comprises of physical,
intellectual and spiritual The idealist approach the
activities that will enable a curriculum from the domain
man to develop fully. It of ideas and ideals.
therefore reflects a diverse
experiences .
Views On Roles Of Students And
Teachers
The teacher is a practical
The position of a teacher
person and leads an
in idealism is very high.
ideal and righteous life.
An idealist teacher is the
His personality is a
one who has attained
source of inspiration foe
self-realization.
his pupil.

A teacher is a friend,
philosopher & guide. He
shows the learner the
path to acquire
knowledge.
Views On Teaching Methods
Self activities are
Idealist school of thought advocated for the learner.
advocates in employing Instructions should be
traditional methods of given based on the child’s
teaching. psychology, according to
Pestalozzi.

Frobel developed the

Idealism advocates five
methodology of play which
teaching techniques :
is known as “kindergarten”.
Questioning, Discussion,
He regards school as a
Lecture method, Single &
garden and teacher as a
group projects & Imitation.
gardener.
Progressivism
1. Their views about metaphysics, epistemology,
axiology and logic.
Their views on
a) education
b) school
c) school curriculum
d) roles of students and teachers
e) teaching methods
References:

Allison, H. E. (2004). Kant's transcendental idealism. Yale University Press.

Ameriks, K. (Ed.). (2017). The Cambridge companion to German idealism. Cambridge

University Press.

Beiser, F. C. (2009). German idealism. Harvard University Press.

Brown, H. O. (2017). American progressivism in Chinese education: The case of Tao Xingzhi.
In China's Education and the Industrialised World (pp. 120-312). Routledge.

Bruce, S. D. (2017). Woodrow Wilson's House: The Hidden Hand of Wilsonian

Progressivism. Reviews in American History, 45(4), 621-626.

Clark, C. B., Akao, K. A., Bahner, C. A., & Siriwardana, P. (2019). Moral Beliefs concerning
Gender Equality and Progressivism. North American Journal of Psychology, 21(2), 271.

Hylton, P., & Hylton. (1992). Russell, idealism, and the emergence of analytic philosophy.
Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Pearson, S. A. (2017). Reflections on American Progressivism. Routledge.