Definitions, DEVELOPMENT OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 2

TOPIC TWO
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION.
Definitions
Development of Philosophy of
Education.
Definitions ,development of philosophy of
education
Definitions
Philosophy- love for wisdom
Education -means to lead, to nurture or to bring
up
• Therefore :Philosophy of Education may
simply be defined as the outcome of
philosophical thinking about education.
• Certain aspects of education + certain aspects
of philosophy = philosophy of education
Development of philosophy of education
• John Dewey (1859-1952) is considered as the

father of modern philosophy of education in
America and in the world today.
• He was against authoritarian approach in
education, which regarded the teacher as the
sole authority
• made an observation that knowledge is found
within ordinary experiences as an individual
interacts with the environment.
Development of philosophy of education
• Education is life in itself and not merely a

preparation for life.
• Education should be based on the needs,
interests and abilities of the learners
• teaching should be child-centered.
• children should take an active part in the
actual learning process
Relationship of philosophy to education
Relationship of Philosophy to education
• Philosophy determines what constitutes a good life

On the other hand, the task of education is to make
life good.
• Philosophy tells us the goal and essential elements of
good life, education tells us the means to achieve
these goals and learn essentials of good life,
education is the applied philosophy.
• Philosophy deals with the ends, education deals with
the means and techniques of achieving the ends.
Relationship of Philosophy to education
• Philosophy is the abstract and education is the practice

or the concrete. philosophy is the theory of education.
• Education transmits to the learners that wisdom which
philosophy has expounded for the good of mankind.
That is, philosophy coordinates the diverse influence of
the learner, family, community and school among
other institutions.
Indeed philosophy helps in the reconstruction and re-
adaptation of education to suit the needs of
contemporary society.
Importance of philosophy of education to a
teacher
Importance of philosophy of education to a teacher.
• to have a clear view of what he is out to accomplish in the field of

education (
• enables the teacher to relate the people’s philosophy of life to the
aims of education. It guides action in educational institutions so as to
realize the national educational objectives.
• It enables the teacher to understand how his subject fits in the general
scheme of work or lesson plan.
• The teacher/student is able to understand the limitations of his
subject and its relationship to other subjects.
• to have a clear view of the role of the school in relation to other social
institutions like the church, the family, the government among others,
so that he avoids pre-emptying responsibilities of these institutions.
Importance of philosophy of education to a
teacher.
• prepares the teacher for his role as an instructor, guidance and
counselling and in classroom management.
• prepares the teacher for critical thinking, to see education in
broader perspectives and think clearly on how to get solutions to
educational problems.
• It enables the teacher in the clarification of ideas and arguments
in order to avoid vagueness.
• It enhances the teacher’s critical thinking, which assists in
choosing the best idea or remedy from the prevailing
alternatives. In this case, a teacher is seen as a philosopher and is
therefore expected to be wise by choosing the best from the
prevailing alternatives.
Study questions
• What is the meaning of Philosophy of Education to you?

• List down the elements of Philosophy of Education.
• Describe how you think Philosophy of Education was developed by John Dewey.
• Distinguish between philosophy and philosophy of education.
• Define philosophy of education and state its importance to a student teacher.
• Critically examine the relationship of philosophy of education.
• Discuss the meaning of the statement that ‘education is life in itself and not
merely a preparation for life’ as stated by John Dewey.
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the project method as used in our
schools, colleges and universities.
• State the contributions of John Dewey to the development of philosophy of
education.

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TOPIC TWO

• John Dewey (1859-1952) is considered as the

• Education is life in itself and not merely a

• Philosophy determines what constitutes a good life

• Philosophy is the abstract and education is the practice

• to have a clear view of what he is out to accomplish in the field of

• What is the meaning of Philosophy of Education to you?

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