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
According to Pragmatism, what is the role of the teacher?
Fellow learner in the educational experience; guides or project directors; activities are not based on their own needs; the needs and interest of the students are most important - subject matter should be chosen with the needs of the student in mind.
Describe the Pragmatism view on curriculum.
- Traditional subjects should be taught through problem-solving techniques that utilizes the curiosity of the student to learn the traditional material.
- field trips have a distinct advantage over activities such as reading and audio-visual experiences.
- emphasis on projects
- curriculum is more concerned with the prices than content
- favors social, economic, and political change when it betters the condition of society
Why is Existentialism difficult to define?
- refusal to belong to any school of thought
- repudiation of the adequacy of philosophic systems and bodies of belief
- dissatisfaction with traditional philosophies
What is the central pillar of Existentialism?
Individualism
Name the two key thinkers of Existentialism.
Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche
When did Existentialism become especially influential?
After WWII
In Existentialism what is the focal point of reality?
Individual existence
Existence precedes essence -
A person first is, and then he or she must attempt to define his or her essence
In Existentialism, who is the center of epistemological authority?
The individual - meaning and truth are not built into the universe. The individual gives meaning to nature.
In existentialism, what is truth based on?
The authority of the individual
In existentialism, what are values based on?
What the individual finds important
Describe the realm of ethics according to existentialism
There are no absolutes, and no one to state the nature of good conduct.
What does existentialism star about traditional education
It stifles and destroys individual attributes
Who is the center of the education process?
The individual
According to existentialism what is the role of the teacher?
- Willing to help the students explore possible answers and will be concerned with the individuality of each student.
- facilitator to lead students to a better understanding of themselves
Describe the view of a student in existentialism
No two students are alike, and no two students need exactly the same education
How does existentialism view curriculum
- curriculum is open to change
- student choice should be a deciding factor in subject matter
- traditional subjects and humanities as fundamental but beyond that, any subject that interests the individual can be justified
Describe the methodology of existentialism
Flexible (decry uniformity)
What are the similarities of pragmatism and existentialism (especially related to education)? What is the major difference?
Pragmatism and Existentialism are similar in that there are no absolutes. According to Pragmatism, truth changes as society changes. According to Existentialism, truth is within. We must attempt to look in ourselves to find it. They both deny the existence of God. In education, students have freedom in learning in Pragmatism and Existentialism. Neither one of them view the teacher as an authority figure. According to the pragmatist, the teacher is a fellow learner. According to Existentialism, the teacher must focus on the individual needs of each student. A big difference between them is with Pragmatism, the society as a whole decides what is right. In Existentialism, the individual chooses.
In the epistemology of pragmatism, Individuals make knowledge as they do what?
interact with the environment
The epistemology of pragmatism makes a distinction between what two things?
Truth versus knowledge
In the epistemology of pragmatism, truth is
relative
Name two modern philosophies
Pragmatism, existentialism
What does the pragmatism say about school experience
It is part of life - not preparation for life
