Chapter 7

Question 1

From a Christian perspective, critique analytic philosophy

Answer 1

The biggest issue with analytic philosophy is it focuses only on sensory learning. It does not allow for the divine revelation that we receive from God’s Word. As a Christian, the Bible is our foundation for all knowledge. If we rely only on our sensory knowledge, we will be led astray. However, a Christin can use the methods of analyzing and synthesizing to build a Christian philosophy. It would be good for a Christian to clarify the meanings of the language used.

Question 2

Analytic philosophy may best be seen as what?

Answer 2

A revolt against the traditional aims and methods of philosophy

Question 3

Analytic philosophy is considered what?

Answer 3

An approach to philosophy rather than a school of philosophy

Question 4

Analytic philosophy would say that the real problems of the past have to deal with what?

Answer 4

Confusion in language and meaning

Question 5

Imprecision in the use of language and unclear meanings create what?

Answer 5

Confusion

Question 6

Analytic philosophy is turned away from the use of what?

Answer 6

Speculative, prescriptive, and synthesizing roles of philosophy

Question 7

What is the key theme of analytic philosophy?

Answer 7

Clarification

Question 8

Analytic philosophy is not attempting to make propositions but interested in what?

Answer 8

Clarifying the exact meaning of the propositions set down by others

Question 9

Name a key thinkers of analytic philosophy

Answer 9

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Question 10

Name the historical roots of analytic philosophy

Answer 10

Linguistic analysis, positivism

Question 11

According to positivism knowledge is what?

Answer 11

limited to statements of observable facts and their interrelations

Question 12

According to analytic philosophy, what is the role of educational philosophy?

Answer 12

Not to develop some new educational ideology, but to help us better understand the meanings of our current ideologies

Question 13

According to analytic philosophy, educational problems are _ problems

Answer 13

Language

Question 14

According to analytic philosophy, if we can solve the language problems, we can solve the _ problems

Answer 14

Educational

Question 15

According to analytic philosophy, education is riddled with what?

Answer 15

Imprecise statements and slogans

Question 16

Analytic philosophers perform a valuable service in doing what?

Answer 16

Clarifying language, concepts, and purposes

Question 17

Analytic philosophers avoid making what types of statements?

Answer 17

• what students and teachers ought to do or ought not to do

- statement of value concerning such activities

Question 18

In the analytic philosophy example of the Macmillan Basal Readers, instead of saying that a child should read, think or learn, the analyst will do what?

Answer 18

Examine what is meant by read, think, or learn

Question 19

Name the strengths of analytic philosophy?

Answer 19

• added rigor and precision to the study of education as a professional field
• created awareness of the dangers of ready-made answers, slogans, and cliches as solutions to problems

Question 20

Name some weaknesses of analytic philosophy.

Answer 20

• too narrow and limited to meet the complex demands of modern life and education
• seen by some as an escape from the really important problems of life
• confuse philosophic means with philosophic ends
• blindness to its own metaphysical and epistemological presuppositions

Question 21

Explain the complementary roles of analytic and comprehensive philosophy

Answer 21

Analytic and comprehensive philosophy work together. “… the techniques of analysis could be used to clarify and make more precise and intelligible the broad concepts of comprehensive philosophical systems.” Basically, the comprehensive philosophy gives us the big picture or the overview. Analytic philosophy will help us break it down and see the small pieces.

Question 22

Analytic philosophy is not interested in what?

Answer 22

making metaphysical epistemological, or Axiology statements

Question 23

Analytic philosophy says what about the broad statements of philosophers

Answer 23

They have only added to the confusion

Question 24

positivism rejected what?

Answer 24

A metaphysical worldview or world views that could not be empirically verified