Chapter 4 Flashcards
What beliefs of pragmatism and existentialism fit into the Christian worldview? Which one has more of an appeal to Christians?
Pragmatism lines up more with what a Christian believes. “Pragmatism, for instance, has brought philosophy ‘down to earth,’ so that it deals with living issues in everyday life.” It has made aspects of religion a part of everyday life, just as a Christian, should incorporate Christianity into every area of life. Pragmatism also sees education as a lifelong process. Existentialism leads a person to self-examination and the responsibility of making personal choices. As a Christian, we do believe that each person needs to examine himself and see his depravity without Christ.
Modern philosophies avoided what issue?
The issue of ultimate reality to focus on relativism as applied to truth and value
What becomes the central philosophic issue for pragmatism?
Epistemology
Existentialism moved the primary focus of what?
Axiology
The shift in philosophical interest led to major changes in educational ideas concerning what five things?
The nature of the student, the role of the teacher, the content taught, the preferred method of instruction, the social function of education and the school
Where was pragmatism developed?
America
Name three key thinkers of pragmatism
Charles Peirce, William James, John Dewey
Complete this quote:
“The attitude of looking away from _… And of looking toward _”
First things, principles; last things, fruits, consequences, facts
“The end ….”
Justifies the means”
Describe the metaphysics of pragmatism.
They deny metaphysics - there is no way of knowing about reality. It allows for no absolutes or unchangeable natural laws. Reality is always changing.
Describe the epistemology of pragmatism:
Truth is rooted in what?
experience.
Describe the pragmatism view of belief and knowledge
Belief is private; knowledge is capable of being demonstrated to any impartial observer. It is public knowledge
What does pragmatism say about truth?
What is true today may not be true in the future or in a different context
Describe the Axiology of pragmatism
- Values are relative and there are no absolute principles on which we can depend upon.
- that which is ethical is that which works for society and is good for society (not the individual)
How does Pragmatism view the student?
Students learn as they act upon their environment