Philosophy of Education – Characteristics and Importance

The word philosophy has its origin in two Greek words. 

• The first word, Philo, means “love”. 
• The second sophy means “wisdom”. 

Philosophy means “love of wisdom”. Each individual has attitudes towards life, children, politics, learning, and past personal experiences that influence and shape beliefs. You may not be aware, but these beliefs and unique philosophies influence how you live, work, and relate to others. What you believe is directly reflected in the teaching and learning process. This article examines various philosophical views that influence the teaching profession.

Must understand how Philosophy and Education relate to each other. To be the most effective teacher, you must understand your beliefs while empathizing with others. This article reviews the study of philosophy, the major areas of philosophy, and the primary philosophical schools of thought in pedagogy. We can examine how these schools help define an individual’s educational philosophy. Establishing your teaching philosophy is an essential step in becoming a teacher. This article will cover five things educators need to know about teaching philosophies.

Philosophy of Education Meaning:

‍‍Philosophy of Education is a branch of philosophy of practice. It is concerned with the nature of education and the philosophical issues that may arise from the theory and practice of teaching.

The philosophy of education deals with education’s goals, forms, methods, and meanings. You can use the term can to describe the fundamental philosophical analysis of these issues and the analysis of the practical pedagogical approach. Its subjects include essential philosophical topics such as

• The nature of knowledge
• Worthy of teaching and learning
• Educational justice’s context

It also includes practical issues such as the social, economic, and legal impact of standardized exams and schools. It consists of both educational policy and practice issues. 

The philosophy of education sees the overarching discipline from the inside and the outside. Its subjects cover fundamental philosophical issues and specific policy and practice educational problems. In doing so, academic philosophers seek clarity of concept, the rigor of argument, fair consideration of the interests of all those involved in and affected by educational endeavors and arrangements, and the usefulness of educational goals and means. Philosophy of Education relies on competent and well-founded assessments.

Thus

• Educational philosophy is a criticism of the general educational theory.
• It consists of critical appraisals and systematic reflections of general ideas. 
• It is a synthesis of pedagogical facts and pedagogical values.

That is the philosophical process of solving educational problems through intelligent methods, starting with a philosophical attitude to reach philosophical conclusions and results. As such, we aim to achieve both general and comprehensive results.

What are the main types of Philosophy?

The four critical branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, axiology and logic. 

• Metaphysics deals with issues concerning the physical universe’s nature and ultimate reality. 
• Epistemology studies how people learn. 
• Axiology is the study of fundamental principles and values. 
• Logic follows the organization of thought processes. Logic has two main components; deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.

What are the main teaching philosophies?

Major educational philosophies fall into three main types: teacher-centered, student-centered, and social-centered ideologies. These include essentialism, perennialism, progressivism, social reconstructionism, existentialism, activism, constructivism, conservatism, and humanism.

Essentialism and perennials are two types of teacher-centered educational philosophies. Essentialism is now the dominant style of public education in the United States. It is the education of basic skills that society needs. Perennialism focuses on the teachings of great works.

1. There are three types of student-centered teaching philosophy. 

• Progressivism focuses on developing a moral compass in students. 
• Humanism is about maximizing the potential of each student. 
• Constructivism focuses on using education to shape students’ worldviews.

2. There are two types of social-centered educational philosophy. 

• Reconstructionism is the view that education is a means to solve social problems. 
• Behaviorism focuses on fostering behaviors that benefit society.

Philosophy of Education or Scope of Philosophy of Education:

The scope of the philosophy of education is limited to the field of education. So it is a philosophy in the field of education. The area of educational philosophy deals with issues of education.

• Pedagogy Goals and Ideals Philosophy:

Pedagogy deals critically with the various goals and ideals of pedagogy. Different philosophers have put forward these goals and objectives at other times. They are-

• Personality formation
• The human formation
• Harmonious human development
• Preparation for adult life
• Citizenship development
• Leisure use
• Training for civic life
• Training for international life
• Social and national integration
• Achievement
• Scientific and technological development
• Education

Equal educational opportunities strengthen the democratic political order and develop human resources. These and other educational goals put forth by educational thinkers in different times and climates are questioned and evaluated. Therefore, the philosophy of education critically evaluates different educational goals and ideals to be achieved.

• Interpretation of Humanity:

The philosophical depiction of humanity results from integrating facts borrowed from the human sciences with values ​​discussed in various normative sciences. The intelligent picture is, therefore, broader than the picture of a man painted by biology, sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, and other human sciences.

• Educational Values:

Values ​​are typically philosophical subjects as they are more abstract, integrative, and universal. The philosophy of education critically evaluates values and organizes them hierarchically. The educational value is determined by philosophical value. Various philosophers promulgate educational values. They derive from their worlds, perspectives, and perspectives on the meaning of human life. Therefore, investigating worldviews, views, and beliefs is a specific function of philosophy and is necessary for the philosophical treatment of values.

• Knowledge Theory:

Education has to do with knowledge. It depends on sources, limits, standards and means of learning. All these discussions fall within one branch of philosophy, epistemology, so an important area of ​​the functioning of educational philosophy is related to the theory of knowledge.

• The relationship between Education and different sectors of national life and various components of the educational system:

One of the most vital contributions to the educational philosophy is to provide a standard for education, economic system and education, curriculum, school organization and management, discipline, etc. These issues have led to evaluations of different educational philosophies.

Educational philosophy provides criteria for critical judgment and judgment in other areas, as philosophy dictates the requirements.

How is an educator’s educational philosophy determined?

Identifying your educational philosophy to understand your values ​​and belief system is essential. It will make it easier for you to explain your teaching style to future employers.

When writing a personal educational philosophy statement, it is essential to consider several key factors. 

• What is the purpose of education? 
• What is the teacher’s role? 
• How Should Teachers Teach? 
• What is the student’s role? 
• What should you teach? 

Also, be yourself and be clear and concise. Research the school you are applying to and include its mission and goals in your statement. Remember that teaching is about the student, and focus on your ​​expertise. Think of the most outstanding teachers you have ever had in your life. Don’t forget to get feedback. Also, don’t go too long or derail. Don’t write a resume, know-it-all, or use strong statements.

Functions of Educational Philosophy 

Educational Ideas serve a variety of roles.

• Determining Educational Goals: 

The Educational Philosophy provides unique ideas about all aspects of education, especially educational goals. There are different views on the philosophy of education, but this situation is beneficial; it helps to provide education according to the needs of society. Differences in educational philosophies reflect the diversity and diversity of human life. The philosophy of education guides the educational process by proposing suitable goals from the variety of life and choosing the means accordingly.

• Reconciliation of old and new traditions in the field of education:

In the process of social development, old traditions become bygone for people. New practices will replace them. However, this exchange process only sometimes goes smoothly. She faces a lot of opposition from certain orthodoxies in society. At the same time, it must be taken into account that not all “old things” are obsolete, and not all “new things” are perfect. Therefore, both must reconcile to maintain their harmony.

• Providing educational planners, administrators, and educators with a progressive vision for achieving academic development:

Spencer rightly said that only a true philosopher could give education a practical form. The philosophy of education provides educational planners, administrators, and educators with the right vision to efficiently achieve academic goals.

• Preparing the Younger Generation for the Challenges of Our Time:

Social commentators have made many labels for the current historical period. For some, it is the information age; for others, it is postmodern, late modern, highly modern, or even the age of uncertainty. Educational philosophy is a guiding, guiding, and liberating force that helps young people and societies face modernization’s challenges.

Conclusion

Therefore, the philosophy of education is today a critical academic field, and its application is undoubtedly an effective tool for dealing with human problems and their effects and causes.

The issues related to education can only be articulated with the presence of philosophy. Since the early days of social unit formation, it has been discussed, experienced, and incorporated into educational perspectives as interrelated themes. It develops students’ critical sense and allows students to practice a sense of argument, self-awareness, and reflection. We need to understand the philosophers and their thesis to approach a new understanding of reality. Understanding reality is the most important thing for the environment. Therefore, we conceptualize the philosophy of education as a set of ideas that define what education is and how important it is not only in the context of school but also in social life and to connect knowledge, thinking, and knowledge skills. It can empower us to develop attitudes toward the facts that surround us and are rooted in society. Therefore, philosophy aims to form more critical citizens who know how to analyze facts with the capacity to understand reality and act as agents of society. We globalize and propose solutions to challenges in a world saturated with information.

FAQs

• How does Philosophy affect teaching?

The study of philosophy helps students develop their ability and inclination to think critically. While other disciplines also contribute to this function’s performance, philosophy contributes uniquely, focused, and comprehensively to students’ critical thinking skills.

• How does Philosophy depend on Education?

Education is the application of the basic principles of philosophy, as philosophy gives ideals, values, and principles. Education resolves these ideals, values, and principles. Education without philosophy is like a wanderer who knows the name of the place he wants to go to but doesn’t know how to find it.

• What are the benefits of studying Educational Philosophy?

The study of philosophy improves one’s ability to think logically and accept criticism. The skills you learn in a philosophy major will help you in almost any career. Students get to know the questions how to ask good questions and distinguish between worthy and unworthy questions.