PHILOSOPHY OF

EDUCATION
by JOHN DEWEY
Introduction to Philosophy of Education

What is Philosophy?
⮚ Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values,
reason, and ethics. It seeks to understand the nature of reality, human experience, and the
principles that govern thought and action.

Role of Philosophy in Education:

⮚ Serves as the foundation for educational theories, practices, and goals.
⮚ Assists educators in developing a clear understanding of the purpose of education,
the nature of learning, and the values and beliefs that should shape the educational
process.
 JOHN DEWEY
⮚ Born on the 20th of October in Burlington ,
Vermont
⮚ He was born in 1857, and died in 1952
⮚ He was an American philosopher , educationist
and psychologist
⮚ One of the co-founder of philosophical school
of pragmatism
⮚ Books:
Democracy and Education (1916)
Logic (1938)
Experience and Education (1938)
⮚ His ideas have been influential in education and social
reform
⮚ Founder of laboratory (experimental) school in Chicago
Dewey’s Educational Philosophy

⮚John Dewey introduced pragmatism, a philosophical approach to

life.
⮚His ideas on education stress the importance of cultivating critical
thinking, reflection, and social engagement in individuals.
⮚Dewey opposed traditional rote-learning methods prevalent in his
time.
⮚He also rejected purely child-centered approaches that didn't
encourage critical engagement with children's interests.
⮚Dewey's notion of "progressive education" emphasizes integrating
traditional subjects with learner interests and strengths.
Aims of Education
⮚To develop an ability to understand and solve problems
⮚To develop skills to apply the knowledge and insight into solving
problems
⮚To spark interest through planned experiences
⮚To help in the adjustment to the changing needs and ideals of the
society
⮚School should give moral education through social related activities
⮚School should be the reflection of society.
 PRAGMATISM
• Derived from the word ‘pragma’ which means work ,
practice, action or activity and ‘pragmatikos’ means
practicability or utility.
• It is the philosophy of practical experience.
• Believe that growth and development takes place
through interaction
• Forms of Pragmatism: Biological , Experimental , and
Humanistic Pragmatism.
Pragmatism and Curriculum

⮚Principle of Utility
⮚Principle of Interest
⮚Principle of Experience
⮚Principle of Integration
Pragmatism and Methods of Teaching

⮚Learning by doing
⮚Discovery and Inquiry
⮚Flexibility and Adaptability
⮚Integration of Knowledge
⮚Social Interaction and Collaboration
⮚Reflective Thinking
The Role of the Pragmatic Teacher
⮚Facilitator
⮚Not a dictator but only a leader of a group
⮚Should have knowledge on students’ interest and provide them social
environment.
⮚Should believe in democratic values.
⮚Should have knowledge of social conditioning.
⮚Should not overshadow the personality of student.
Contribution of Pragmatism to education
⮚It is centered around activity, with the child's actions serving as
the foundation for teaching.
⮚It sees education as equipping individuals for life, fostering
social efficiency through active student participation and goal-
setting based on personal needs and interests.
⮚It valued individual differences, which advocates for
personalized education tailored to each student's strengths and
abilities.
⮚It fosters personal growth and development in education.
Progressivism
⮚ Progressivism is a theory of education that is concerned with “ Learning by doing”.
⮚ Claims that the children learn best when pursuing their own interests and satisfying their own needs.
⮚ Importance on skills that will help them for the rest of their life not just for tests.

Goals: Criticism:
⮚become intelligent problem-solvers. ⮚Students lack in discipline.
⮚Become socially aware citizens ⮚system education required more
funding or budget.
⮚Not required to be an expert
Functions of Education

⮚Education is process of growth

⮚Education is life and life is education
⮚Education leads towards self-efficiency
⮚Experience is the basis of his
philosophy
Key Values

In John Dewey's philosophy of education,

democratic values such as:
⮚Liberty - Fostering individual freedom to think and make
choices
⮚Equality - Providing equal educational opportunities for all
students , regardless of background/circumstances
⮚Justice - Creating inclusive learning environments that
promote fairness , empathy , respect for diverse perspective.
References:
A. (n.d.). AIMS OF EDUCATION IN PHILOSOPHIES OF EDUCATION | Dr. V.K. Maheshwari,
Ph.D. http://www.vkmaheshwari.com/WP/?p=1338

Dewey, J. | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). https://iep.utm.edu/john-dewey/

Shawal, M. (2015, November 5). Pragmatism in Education: Study Notes. Your Article
Library.
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/education/pragmatism-in-education-study-notes/69
152

Westbrook, R. B. (1993, March). John Dewey. Prospects, 23(1–2), 277–291.

https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02195040