The Philosophy of Education: Realism
Realism is a significant educational philosophy that has profoundly influenced the development of educational systems and practices across the world. Rooted in the belief that reality exists independent of the human mind, realism emphasizes the importance of unde...
The Philosophy of Education: Realism
Realism is a significant educational philosophy that has profoundly influenced the development of educational systems and practices across the world. Rooted in the belief that reality exists independent of the human mind, realism emphasizes the importance of understanding the objective world through education. This philosophy advocates for a curriculum centered on the empirical, material world, encouraging learners to engage with real-world experiences and knowledge that can be observed, measured, and understood through the senses.
1. The Origins and Historical Context of Realism
The roots of realism in philosophy can be traced back to ancient Greece, particularly in the works of Aristotle, who is often considered the father of realism. Unlike his teacher, Plato, who emphasized ideal forms and abstract reasoning, Aristotle focused on the concrete and observable world. He believed that knowledge could be gained through systematic observation and analysis of the natural world, laying the groundwork for what would later become the scientific method.
Aristotle's influence on realism was profound, as he argued that the physical world is real and that knowledge comes from the sensory experience of this world. This contrasted sharply with Plato's idealism, which held that ultimate reality lies in abstract forms or ideas. Aristotle's emphasis on empirical observation and the material world set the stage for the development of realism as a dominant educational philosophy, especially during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment periods when the scientific method began to take shape.
During the Renaissance, a renewed interest in the natural world and human experience led to a shift away from medieval scholasticism, which had been dominated by religious dogma and abstract reasoning. Thinkers such as Francis Bacon and John Locke contributed to the development of realism by emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and the observation of the natural world as the basis for knowledge. Bacon, often credited with developing the scientific method, argued that knowledge should be derived from the careful observation and analysis of the natural world, rather than from abstract reasoning or religious doctrine. Locke, on the other hand, proposed the idea of the mind as a "tabula rasa" or blank slate, which is shaped by sensory experiences. This idea reinforced the realist view that education should focus on the tangible and observable world, and that knowledge is gained through interaction with this world.
As realism continued to develop, it became closely associated with the scientific revolution and the rise of modern science. The emphasis on observation, experimentation, and the objective analysis of the material world became central to the realist philosophy of education. This approach to knowledge and learning had a profound impact on the development of educational systems, particularly in the Western world, where th
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Added: Aug 17, 2024
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REALISM MS. LERMAFLOR G. NAPOLES MAEd-ed.m .
REALISM Realism is a school of philosophy with origins in the work of Aristotle . This philosophy emphasizes that “ reality, knowledge, and value exist independent of the human mind ” . Realists argue for the use of the senses and scientific investigation in order to discover truth. The application of the scientific method also allows individuals to classify things into different groups based on their essential differences.
About ARISTOTLE….. Aristotle is known as the father of realism and the Scientific Method . His pragmatic approach to understanding an object, by understanding is form, is an example of how he investigated matter. To understand this concept, consider the following example: A plant can exist without being physically present, but it still shares properties with all other plants (form). Aristotle also believed that everything had a purpose or function. For example, a fishes purpose is to swim. A birds purpose is to fly. A humans purpose is to think. If we are not thinking, or thinking unintelligently, we are going against our purpose. Finally, Aristotle was the “first to teach logic as a discipline in order to be able to reason about physical events and aspects” .
EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF REALISM Within a realist educational philosophy, the curricular focus is on scientific research and development as Realists’ consider education a matter of reality rather than speculation. The teacher role is to teach students about the world they live in. Realists view the subject expert as the source and authority for determining the curriculum. Outcomes of this thinking in classrooms today include the appearance of standardized tests, serialized textbooks, and specialized curriculum. Teaching methods used in realism include: Demonstration Recitation Critical thinking Observation Experimentation