SUMMARY OF MODULE 1

Philosophy in Philippine Education

Education is the greatest weapon that one can use to change his own life and the world. As time goes
by, we can vividly see the development of education. Starting in an informal and unstructured education
in the Pre- Spanish Period where children were more trained in doing practical task than the academics
by their parents and tribal tutors. To a suppressed and controlled education in the Spanish Era where
the tribal tutors were replaced by Spanish missionaries, and the education became religion-oriented and
more favorable for the elite. To an equal and democratic education in American Era education is
universal and free. Then education was used for people to embrace Japanese Ideologies in the Japanese
Occupation, where the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Imperial Army articulated the educational
system under Executive Order No. 2, issued February 17, 1942. Until it became more structured and
systematic as the Philippines gained its independence. Article XIV Section 5 of the 1935 Constitution
includes that all educational institutions shall be under the supervision of the state, the government
shall maintain a complete and adequate system of public education, providing at least a free primary
education and create scholarships for specially gifted citizens. Education Act of 1982 provided for the
establishment and maintenance of an integrated system of education. The 1987 Constitution, Article
XIV, Section 1 states that the state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education
at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all, which made a big
step in the educational system of the Philippines.

LESSON 1: Your Philosophical Heritage

Philosophy comes from the two Greek words Philo, which means “love” and Sophia, which means
“wisdom”, which brings philosophy as love of wisdom. It is the study of ideas about knowledge, truth,
the nature and the meaning of life.

Famous Figures in Philosophy

Aristotle – first to have written systems by which to understand and criticize everything from pure logic
Plato - It is only through philosophy that the world can be free of evils
Paul of Tarsus – accomplished more with the few letters we have than any other mortal person in the
bible, founded various churches
Rene Decartes - advocated dualism; power of mind over the body. “I think therefore I am”
Confucius – his philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social
relationships, justice and sincerity. “ Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself”
Thomas Aquinas – embraced several ideas of Aristotle. Best known works are Summa Thelogica and
Summa contra Gentiles
Avicenna – world’s preeminent physician during his life. Most well known works are The Book of
Healing and The Canon Medicine
Zeno – founded the school of Stoicism, which argues that mental peace must be acquired by your own
will
John Locke – referred to as the “Father of Liberalism”, the belief in equal rights under the law begins
with him.
- Natural rights; life, liberty, and estate

Seven Philosophies of Education

1. Essentialism –why? to acquire basic knowledge, skills and values.
-emphasize the academic content for students to learn the basic skills and fundamental
r’s ( reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmetic and right conduct)
2. Progressivism – why? to develop students into becoming enlightened and intelligent citizens
-respond to students’ needs and that relates to students’ personal lives and experiences
3. Perennialism – why? to develop the students’ rational and moral skills
4. Existentialism – why? to help students to understand and appreciate themselves as unique
individuals.
-help students to define their own essence
5. Behaviorism – why? concerned with the modification and shaping of students’ behavior
-teachers ought to provide incentives to reinforce positive responses and weaken or
eliminate the negative ones
6. Linguistic Philosophy – why? to develop the communication skills of the learner
-3 ways of communication: verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal
7. Constructivism – why? to develop motivated and independent students that are adequately
equipped with learning skills

LESSON 2: Formulating Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of education is an important piece for an educator, this is their window to the world and
their compass in life. This reflect their core values and beliefs towards teaching and learning. It plays a
big part on one’s attitude and how one will deal situations inside the class and even in life as a whole.
Development of philosophy can be a vital part to identify critical areas that can be a hindrance for the
education’s success. Philosophy serves not just a guide for educators but it also help the students to
gain a wider range of ideas.

LESSON 3: The Foundational Principles of Morality and You

As an educator in today’s society, everyone has high hopes on you as you are one of the most
influential people in one’s life. Educators are the role model of the students who might greatly affect
the student’s future. With this being said to cope with these expectations, educators must indulge
themselves with the foundation of moral and ethical principle that will serve as their guide.

A principle is that on which something is based, founded or originated, it is the foundation. Therefore,
the foundational moral principle is a general norm where all other principles were based, it is based on
the natural law, the law that is written in our hearts, do good and avoid evil.
LESSON 4: Values Formation and You

Our Values inform our thoughts, words and actions. They help us to create the future we want to
experience. In relation with this, values that are unchanging, universal, and remains a value despite no
one values them are called transcendent values- where values formation begins. On the other hand,
relativists claim that there are no universal and unchanging values, wherein the values that our
forefathers believed in are not necessarily the right values for the present or what the Filipinos
consider as values are not considered values by other nation.

Value Formation as an educator necessarily include cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions
wherein mere knowing is not enough, living with it makes it more meaningful. It is also a training of the
intellect and will. The intellect distinguishes a value and present it to the will as a right or wrong value,
then the will wills to act the right value and avoid the wrong value presented. It is the intellect that
acts first, as they say “nothing is willed unless it is known”

LESSON 5: Teaching as Your Vocation, Mission and Profession

Teaching as your Vocation – Vocation came from the Latin word “vocare” which means “to call”.
Teaching is more than a noble profession; it is a vocation- a calling. Unlike other profession, teaching
requires dedication and service.

Teaching as your Mission – Mission came from the Latin word “misio” which means “to send”.
Teachers are sent into the world to accomplish a mission. Teaching is the mission that is entrusted by
the world for its betterment.

Teaching as your Profession – In taking the challenge of having this as your profession, you must strive
for excellence, you must commit and dedicate yourself to public service. Taking this as a profession
means you are more than willing to go through the long period of preparation and continuing of
professional development.