PHILOSOPHICAL

FOUNDATIONS
OF EDUCATION
 Philosophy of Education
• “Philosophy of education is the branch of philosophy that
addresses philosophical questions concerning the nature, aims,
and problems of education”(Siegel, 2009, p.1)

• is actually synonymous with general pedagogy with a primary

focus on methodological issues.

• is both reflection and a general system of views on education

and the importance of its human component.
 Oriental Philosophy
• It is also called Eastern Philosophy.

• It is more properly the religious mode of thought and

the conception of the world belonging generally to the
Orientals and approximates very closely to
Philosophy; and to consider the Oriental idea of
religion just as if it were religious philosophy, is to
give the main reason why it is so like.
Eastern/Oriental Philosophies
Indian Philosophy
• Hinduism
• Buddhism Chinese Philosophy
• Confucianism
• Taoism

Islam
Philosophy
 Indian Philosophy
• It is considered by Indian thinkers to be a practical discipline, and its
goal should always be to improve human life.
• the systems of thought and reflection
• They include both orthodox (astika) systems, namely, the Nyaya, 
Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva-Mimamsa (or Mimamsa), and
Vedanta schools of philosophy, and unorthodox (nastika) systems,
such as Buddhism and Jainism.
 Hinduism
• Emphasizes a commitment to an ideal way of life
characterized by honesty, courage, service, faith,
self-control, purity and non- violence which can
be achieved through YOGA.

Proponent: Mahatma Gandhi

 Hinduism in Education
The teacher shows the way and imparts knowledge by his
own example, responsible for the students’ spiritual welfare.

The students aim to remember everything by heart and

mastery of every subject learned.

Teaching methods are oral and memory intensive, discussion

and debates.
 Buddhism
•Believes in the FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

• Believes in the LAW OF KARMA

Proponent: Siddharta Gautama
 Buddhism in Education
Education rooted in faith

Continuing education system- to

receive additional teaching and learn
from each other during class
discussions.
 Chinese Philosophy
• it refers to any of several schools of philosophical thought in
the Chinese tradition, including
Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, and Mohism.
 Confucianism
• Teaches moral life through devotion to the family, loyalty to the
elders. Love o learning, brotherhood, civil service, and universal love
and justice.

• Stresses the FIVE CARDINAL VIRTUES

(benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity)

Proponent: Confucius
 Confucianism in Education
Civil Service Exams
Religious rituals in the schools
 Taoism
• TAO: a way of life, a philosophy advocating simplicity,
frugality, and the kjoys of being close to nature and being in
harmony with the whole universe.

• Strongly believes in WU WEI ( Let things come naturally)

Proponent: Lau-Tzu
 Taoism in Education
Taoist ethics emphasize compassion,
moderation and humility
 Physical exercises involve slow and
controlled body movements to achieve
mental stillness.
 Others
• Legalism is a pragmatic political philosophy, whose main
motto is "set clear strict laws, or deliver harsh punishment",
and its essential principle is one of jurisprudence.

• Mohism was founded by Mozi (c. 470 - 390 B.C.) It

promotes universal love with the aim of mutual benefit,
such that everyone must love each other equally and
impartially to avoid conflict and war. 
 Islamic Philosophy
• It is analyzing and criticizing, deconstructing and disintegrating of the
insisting educational infrastructure and it strives to produce new
concepts continuously or displays what should be the concepts.
• Has Five pillars: belief in Allah, prayer(5x a day), fasting, almsgiving
and pilgrimage

Proponent: Muhammad/ Mohammed

 Islam in Education
Useful knowledge is necessary for the benefit of
the self and humanity.

A truly Islamic government is required to

provide all means to promote adequate education
for its citizen, to the best of its ability
 Comparison
between Eastern
and Western
Philosophy
• Student Involvement within Classroom Activity
• The Ways of Teaching Process
• The Expression of Learning Process
• Capability of Students for Both Philosophies
• Encouragement for Students
• Relationship between Teachers and Students