PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

• Definition of Philosophy of Education

• Scope
• Functions
• Importance of philosophy of Education
• Development of Philosophy of Education

Definition of Philosophy of Education

• It may be defined as the outcome of philosophical thinking about education.
• It is also the application of philosophical approaches to education.
Philosophical approaches are existential, critical, rationale etc.
• It is a philosophical process of solving educational problems through philosophical
methods, from a philosophical attitude to arrive at philosophical conclusions and results.
• It is a discipline within education that leads to better understanding of basic
educational issues.
• It is a field of inquiry, speculation and application in which philosophical methods are
applied to the study of problems, topics or issues in education.
• It is therefore an educational discipline. It is ranked together with other education
disciplines such as Sociology of Education, History of Education among others.

Scope of Philosophy of Education

The scope of philosophy of Education is concerned with the problems of education.
These problems may include:
1. Interpretation of human nature, the world and the universe and their relation with man.
2. Interpretation of aims and ideals of education.
3. The relationship of various components of the system of education.
4. Relationship of education and various areas of national life (economic system,
political order, social progress, cultural reconstructions etc)
5. Educational values
6. Theory of knowledge and its relationship to education.

Functions of Philosophy of Education

1. Determining the aims of education*

It guides the process of education by suggesting suitable aims from the diversities of
life and selecting the means accordingly.
2. Harmonizing old and new traditions in the field of education.
3. Providing the educational planners, administrators and educators with the
progressive vision to achieve educational development. It provides them with the right
vision which guides them to attain the educational goals efficiently.
4. Preparing the young generation to face the challenges of the modern times. Philosophy
of education is a guiding, steering and liberating force that helps young people and society at
large to face the challenges of the modem times.

Importance of Philosophy of Education to a teacher

1. It enables the teacher to have a clear view of what to accomplish in the field of education.
2. To have a clear view of the role of the school in relation to other social institutions
like the church, family and government among others.
3. It prepares the teacher for critical thinking which is necessary for
curriculum development that meets the needs of learners at all levels.
4. Enables educators to critically examine educational issues pertaining to the learners.
Helps them to think more clearly, systematically and coherently about education issues.
5. Enhances skeptical approach towards issues in education leading to further research
for better education system practices and theories.
6. Personal intellectual growth, a teacher is a lifelong learner.
7. Helps a teacher to clarify meanings and concepts in education in order to avoid
vagueness and or ambiguity. This enhances effective communication so that what is to be said
must be clearly seen.
8. It has a liberative function. It liberates a teacher from narrow mindedness
and short-sightedness hence widens and opens the scope of knowledge.
9. Enables educators to select appropriate content and approaches to teaching useful
and relevant resources.
10. It enables educators to become more ethical and to uphold moral values.
11. Prepares the teacher for his role as an instructor, counselor and in
classroom management.
12. Equip teachers with logical skills for constructive reasoning in education theory and
practice.
13. Detecting fallacies in educational theory and practice/ lesson presentation.

Development of Philosophy of Education

• John Dewey (1859-1952) is considered as the father of modem philosophy. He was

an American philosopher, psychologist and educational reformer. He reacted
strongly against authoritarian approach in education, which regarded the teacher as
the sole authority in classroom and which made the learners to follow whatever the
teacher was teaching. He made an observation that knowledge is found within
ordinary experience as an individual interacts with the environment.

• The experience must be productive to facilitate use of problem solving methods. To

help children learn the school should be an extension of the home so that experiences
gained at home and school is related and continuous. According to him, education is
life in itself and not merely a preparation for life. For this reason, education should be
based on the needs, interests, and abilities of the learners. He further noted that
education involves living through a continuous reconstruction of experiences. The
implication is that education is the development of all those capacities or abilities in
 the individual, which enables him or her control the environment.

• Dewey proposed an approach of teaching that is child centred referred to as project

method of teaching. Through this method, children learn better by taking an active
part in the actual teaching and learning process. The role of the teacher is to guide the
learner. Dewey’s ideas on the role of the teacher were intended to enhance
participatory learning i.e. learner to participate in projects.

RELEVANCE OF TECHNICAL PHILOSOPHY TO

EDUCATION
1. Logic and education
a. Helps the teacher/learner to avoid inconsistency or contradictions during his
presentation or arguments. The teacher is able to avoid use of vague and or ambiguous terms.
b. Enhances correct reasoning that assists to eliminate confusion during teaching-
learning process.
c. Knowledge of logic enhances justification of arguments during discussions i.e.
assists in clarification of ideas.
d. Teacher is able to employ deductive or inductive arguments correctly because he
has background knowledge.
e. Enables one teacher to analyze ideas, concepts and examine the thoughts of the
learner.
f. Helps the teacher to pin point the confusion that may arise when a learner
responds to a question.
2. Axiology and Education
a. Knowledge of ethics enables the teacher to advise the learners about what is good or
desirable/right in our education institutions in comparison to what is not desirable or good.
The teacher acquires moral knowledge vital for him as moral educator. Knowledge
becomes a virtue.
b. The teacher is able to direct learners through guidance and counselling.

c. Enables the teacher to cater for learners individual differences accept and appreciate the
diverse cultural background of the learner.

d. As a role model to be emulated by learners, the teacher ought to be morally sober.

e. Exposes the teacher to real life issues giving them s kills and knowledge on how to
respond and cope with problems and circumstances of life.
f. Equips the teacher with varied approaches to be able to evaluate the learners’ actions.
g. Makes the teacher be morally sensitive, apprehensive, able to explain why rules, laws,
guidelines are valid in society.
h. The teachers act as a moral conscience in the school, family and society. Must be well
equipped morally to play this effectively.
3. Metaphysics and Education
a. Enables one to present coherent and consistent picture in the field of education.
b. Increases the teacher’s confidences in performing his duties since it makes one aware
 of theoretical bases of educational activities.
c. Offers critical examination of the underlying assumption of various theories of
knowledge such as realism, idealism pragmatism and existentialism.
d. Enables the teacher to understand the learners so as to impart the right kind of
knowledge.
e. Generates discussion of questions that lack scientific answers such as what is soul or
spirit, God etc.
f. Necessary for policy makers and teachers to know the mind and body issues that are
helpful in designing the education curriculum by identifying the correct aims, content and
methods of teaching.

4. Epistemology and Education

a. Enables the teacher to reflect on the nature of knowledge that is offered in our
educational institutions and its relevance.
b. Study of theories of knowledge such as realism, rationalism, pragmatism and
existentialism provide guidelines on the construction of education curriculum
c. Enables the students and teachers to seek solutions to fundamental issues such as: what
is knowing? what is truth? etc.
d. Knowledge of epistemology assists educators in the planning, implementation and
practice of education policies.

PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING
• What is teaching?
• Difference between teaching and learning.
• Is teaching a profession?