After the World War I, most of the western countries faced economic regression. Afterwards, the only tool for resolving this regression and crisis was seen as the increasing productivity. So, for the economic growth the industrial revolution with the help of scientific inventions was considered as the best way. At that time different methods like lean production, batch production, mass production, etc were developed to increase productivity.

Hence, development of education as the production system can be sketched during early decades of twentieth century.  During that time industrial scientific management was applied in education. Such activities were drawn and checked with the method of activity analysis.  An American educationalist Bobbitt in 1924 believes that we need to invent things that are useful to human life and it will be an ultimate objective of education. Activities were the educational objectives and were learned with performance. In order to make business efficient, the concept of activity analysis was applied in the field of education.  Behaviorism is taken as a learning theory than philosophy of education.

The implications of this theory were to:

Define the educational objectives

Define the result especially in terms of behavior to be achieved by the learner

Motivating learner to achieve their goals and objectives

Consider the individual difference as the factor in learning process

On the other hand, critics of behaviorism philosophy see society composed of a gigantic ‘pigeon box’ or as a teaching machine. In addition, they believe society as being made of citizens’ behaviors as controlled by and directed through positive rewards. Most of the professional’s education is developed with the theory of behavioral. But whatever is the criticism about this philosophy, this philosophy can really make a real result. With the accumulated experience an individual can learn more knowledge. In this philosophy education can be achieved through the field visit. Thus, a learner can get real education and can feel it.

» Read More...

The term “Pragmatism” was derived from the Greek word “Pragma”. This term means the things that are done or complete or business. Further the Greek word “Pragmatikos” means skilled in some business. Hence, we can clearly say that the main concern of pragmatism is actual practice or action, day to day affairs and activities, etc; not with definition or theory, but with utility.

The philosophy of pragmatism verifies the meaning and truth of all concepts. It testifies it validity with the help of effective practical result. In this scenario, experience is considered as the central or focal point. Pragmatism differs from idealistic philosophy. The philosophy of pragmatism believes that human values and attitudes are absolute, as the world is in the state of constant change. It again says that human being creates their own values and at the time of need they again reconstructs as for their flexibility during their life. Hence, philosophy of pragmatism has special impacts on the value experimentation, utility of education and solution of problem. Here, experimentation is the way of learning by doing.

During the Progressive Era in Education in America (1917-1957), the philosophy of pragmatism was involved in the way to education. Humanism, experimentalism and existentialism were the extension of education in that era. They shared the view education for the social betterment. Dewey argues that educations as well as democracy are the part of same process. With the development of education the idea of democracy developed. Hence, pragmatism makes life of every individual as the basis for education.

From the view of pragmatism education is especially for social needs. True education should be provide not only to commute or operate all activities but it is for consistence development and progress that can add value, meanings and experience to the social development. The implication of education is to create a scenario where learner finds solutions to their problems. Thus, education can only achieved through experience rather than just reading books. Education should be experimental, scientific and should be applicable in our daily life so that we can develop our society.

» Read More...

The term “realism” was originally originated from the word “real.” Further, the word “real” was originated from the word “Res.” This term means object. This doctrine helps to retreat from the reality of the ideas of the world. It believes that what we see and experience in this world is the reality. According to realists, this world is natural rather than supernatural. They argued that world is what it should be today. With the help of natural laws the physical universe is being running and operated. Greek philosopher (322-384 B C) Aristotle is known as the father of realism.

This philosophy of realism was developed to resist and balance the philosophy of naturalism and idealism. Naturalism and idealism philosophy mainly focuses on absolute nature and spiritualism by undermining the scientific inventions. On the contrary, idealists have tried to discover this world with the help of new scientific inventions and scientific methods. They mainly argue that what we can feel, see and touch are real and true and they can be considered as real.

With the help of rapid scientific inventions growth at twentieth century in the Western countries realism was developed. Herbert Spencer and Thomas Huxley mainly believed that discovery method of learning. They argued that experience is the major source for knowledge and it can be continuously achieved through new discovery and inventions.

Realists believe that preparing for complete living was the main aim of education. Education needs to equip learners with the required knowledge and skills. They need to understand and master their physical environment so that s/he can live a happy life.  The main aim of education is to prepare their children for the complete life in the future with the help new inventions and science.

Spencer believes that aims and function of education should be to make effective living in a society rather than just transferring cultural heritage. 

» Read More...

The word “idealism” is mainly associated with the English word “Ideas” and “ideal.” Idealism is concerned with the human supremacy of mind and self, their own views to human beings and universe in association with mind of human being. However, it differs from naturalism as it can maintain the material and physical universe to a high level according to the nature of the human being and universe. Here, matter or object can be the creation of mind, but at the end the real is the idea behind matter. The world where we are living is at a physical state and we can change it through the ideas and imagination of human being.

Famous philosopher Pluto believes that the ultimate reality consists mainly of ideas. He and his teacher Socrates heavily argued that the foundation or root for philosophy is ideas. Known as idealistic philosopher, Socrates introduced the importance of question answer or queries. He believed that such technique and dialogues are the tools for gaining information. On the other hand, Plato heavily emphasized logical reasoning as the major tools and medium in order to gain ideas. Whether they have different view about ideas but both the philosopher has taken ideas as the major source for human beings development and existence in this world.

Other philosopher believes that this world is created by god. The “universal mind” or “God” is the reality which has been given birth by the human being’s knowledge and education. In this universe, man is the only creation which has got power to achieve knowledge. They can use knowledge as a powerful tool. Education should be able to drive a man in a correct and right path by unfolding his/her divines through self- consciousness and it is the main implication of idealism on education. Education should be able to lead a man to perfection. European educational figure, Friend rich Frobel, believes that education should teach and guide a man to clearness; to face with the natural world and to unite with God.

The followers of great German philosopher Johann Fried rich Herbart, has uniquely formalized his classroom method of teaching. The main function of teacher was to share their knowledge with the help of following five formal steps in classroom teaching:

Preparation:

It mainly focuses on recalling or sharing the past experiences and linking with education.

Presentation:

This method helps to outline the new material and concepts.

Association:

It is the step where teacher used to compare new ideas with the old one.

Generalization:

With the help of presentation, new material can be achieved or developed and with that newly formed material we can derive new rules and general principles.

Application:

It involves relating new generalization to specific and unique scenarios.

Hence, the selection of content or syllabus, grading system and organization of presentation and dialogues was brought out to develop human being.

The idealist argues that, idealism implies that there needs to be a consistent guide and help from teacher which is very important for achieving self-realization. Teacher needs to be iconic or should be able to play a role model of self-realization.

» Read More...

In the western society naturalism is considered as the oldest philosophy. God and nature are seen as not only as two separates entities, but subordinates spirit to the matter as described by doctrine. Natural self and or real self are the main concern of naturalists. They mainly believe in the supremacy of nature. In addition, they argue that the only truth or reality in this world is nature. Nature is God as viewed by naturalists. The world is materialistic as viewed by naturalist. They believe that the material world or the world of nature is the real world. in other words, nature is the main source of knowledge. Human life is also a part of nature and is controlled entirely by external laws of nature. Nature is the source for the existence of everything in this world.

Under the natural laws the physical, mechanical and biological forces acts upon it. Such factors results in man and universe. With the unique and systematic process of nature, human being has evolved from the lower form of life. With the help of force of energy triumphed in nature man has gradually been in the process of development and growth. Human being’s natural endowment, including his instincts; emotions are behaviors are the guiding force of all his conduct.

Charles Darwin believes that the aim of education is to prepare or train individual to struggle for their existence in order to insure his survival. It needs to help the learner to be able to adjust physically and mentally to changing scenarios of life. Education should be aimed for developing a child’s physical, mental and social structure. Further, it should be aimed for a balanced structure so that he can learn to survive. When man is directed by the laws and moral of his own nature rather than the other social institutions like schools and natural surroundings are the most important factors for that child’s education. Its main implication is that child should know about nature and needs to be in touch with nature which allows him to develop his own identical skills and capabilities.

The main criticism of this aspect is that it ignores the spiritual aspect off child’s personality by denying the need for his development and growth. Further it undermines the lecturer’s roles by placing him behind the scene and they only play as a facilitator, which does not work out in this real world.

» Read More...

The term philosophy was really originated from the Greek word Philosophia. The word Philosophia is composed of two words: Philos and Sophia. The term Philos means search for something or love and the term Sophia means the knowledge and intelligence. Thus, the literal meaning of the term Philosophia is “love of wisdom” or “search for knowledge and lights.” Great philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristole devoted their entire life in search of knowledge of truth and wisdom. Socrates in his book Apology believes that, education can make soul of human being as good as possible. The truth about the existence of being itself – an understanding about who he is and what he is and can anyone help other to know well from evil.

Socrates claimed that the self-knowledge will determine the name of wisdom. Plato describes reality as the two worlds which are: world of knowledge and world of opinion. According to Plato the world of knowledge is fully real and can be apprehended only by reasons. On the other hand the world of opinion is not real but wholly unreal either and this can be apprehended only through sensation and cannot be identified. Rerinald admits that, “The moral ideal for men was to attain to knowledge, thereby introducing the beauty and order of the Devine into their souls, and, hopefully into society as well.” In addition Aristole believed that the nature plays an important role in the existence of social authority.

Philosophy is all about belief or specification about nature or value of things. Further, it produces a way of belief or view which is considered as the ultimate truth through the systematic logical thinking.  In addition, Philosophy can help us to know and understand the nature of man and truth about the man. Questions such as: “What is nature? What is life? What is goal of human being? What is the ultimate truth? And why human being exists in this world?” helps us to find the nature and reality of a person.

Dewey believes that philosophy starts its journey from uncertainty and that is significant in experience and it mainly seeks to provide meaning of our lives. As noted by Dewey, “Philosophy might also be described as thinking which has become conscious itself.”

In our society education has been really influenced by general philosophy of life. Factors such as religions, traditions and customs, perceptions and attitudes, human physiology, socio-political conditions of the nation, degree of technological advancement and advancement of invention and science has influenced the philosophy of life. For example, the philosophy of education in a theological nation and the secular state has different meanings for sure.  

Then how can we define the relationship between philosophy and education?

For the development of aims and values of education, philosophy plays a key role. Education can be takes as the laboratory where we apply our theories into practical like philosophic become concrete and tested. According to Dewey, “philosophy may be explained as the general theory of education.”

» Read More...

Education is a way of gaining knowledge and experiences. It ushers us from the darkness and emptiness of ignorance to bliss the knowledge. Knowledge helps us to open up our inner eyes and help us to understand the ultimate truth of life.  People living in Eastern and Western societies honor this truth. For many people knowledge is a way or medium for information. In real terms, knowledge is more than that. Locke in his book has defined knowledge as “as the perception of agreement or disagreement of ideas.”

No one in this world can have understanding without knowledge and information today. These terms do have significant meanings. The distinction in between information, knowledge and understanding is neither complicated nor philosophical matter, as said by Dewey. He explained that this distinction by saying that “a person may be able to name the structure and parts of a machine but he may not be able to understand machine unless he knows how it works and how to work with it.

The being of education can be easily traced back to the human civilization. With human civilization it was born out and was developed with it.  A century ago, before most of the modern intercession had transformed our society into modern one, the social group was the small community. There were little expectations and the life was very simple. In the past days, the gap in between the new generations and old generation people has shown the importance of education. It will help to show why there is gap and what can be done to remove such gaps in the society.  New generation needs to know their culture and traditions and should follow such things. On the other hand, old generation should be able to understand the value of change. They should change according to the demand of time. For this education is required.

» Read More...

During “Vedic or Pauranic Era” in Nepal, education was highly influenced by the religion. The main emphasis used to be spiritual growth of people. Education was only accessible to those belonging to three “Varnas” or the castes: “Brahmin, Chhetriya and Vaishya.” It was not accessible to those who belong to “Sudra” caste. Then the children used to stay in “Gurukull” for a fixed period of time in order to gain knowledge and skills under the guidance of their “Gurus”. They used to comply with moral, spiritual and practical value of the society. Teacher used to act like guardian and discipline was the most for the student. The first lesson, the child has to know was the knowledge about humility which has been reflected in the following Sanskrit verse:

The Brahmins used to have a strict rule and control over education. Education was organized and managed entirely by the private sectors. The individual or social organization developed a trusty environment, which used to be the main source for their “Gurukull.”.

The Brahmins used to solely decide what to teach to whom and who is eligible for that education. However, women were allowed to study “Veda”. After the completion of their education they will be provided with option. They had choice to enter family life (“Grahastha”) or remain single and preach Veda. Our Eastern society proudly remembers name of two prominent female Vedic literati: Gargi and Mayitreyee. However, by 500 BC female education was set back due to a gradual reduction of the age at marriage.

The content of the syllybus used to vary depending upon the caste of the learner. Different learner used to have definite functions to carry out in their society. There, the Brahmins were responsible to teach or impart knowledge, Kchhetriyas were responsible for ruling who were supposed to protect the State or nation and Vaisyas were responsible for development of business and trade within the nation. The main purpose or aim was to fully equip every individual according to their skills, competiencies and knowledge. The teachers or lecturer were regarded very high , next to the God by the society, which has been reflected in Saskrit language.

English translation: Salutation to the noble Guru, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara, the direct Parabrahma, the Supreme Reality.

The Sanskrit language was the medium for teaching in the ancient times. The dialogues, discussion, demonstration and presentation were employed in their education. Those who have more knowledge or skills were encouraged and employed to teach that knowledge and skills to other students or group of members. Giving logical answer, individual capacity of debating and putting forward the knowledge into practice were the main criteria where successes were measured.

English Translation: Teacher! You are my mother and father; you are my brother and companion; you alone are knowledge and wealth. O Lord, you are everything to me.

The main aim of the education was self-realization. It was for the purpose of liberalization of soul and its unity with the supreme.  The knowledge was declared as the medium through which a person can pass darkness to light.

» Read More...

In the ancient times, the Eastern society was the main leader in education. The history shows that civilization grew first in the eastern society of the world. At that time, the Indus-valley civilization and the Mohen-jo-daro civilization were the society, and this civilization was only possible through the knowledge gained with education.

Whereas, in the Western part, Greece was the leader where it was searching for knowledge or wisdom and developing affection among people and spreading it through learning and lectures. Greece’s philosophers namely Socrates born in 469 BC, his disciple Plato born in 428 BC and Aristotle, born in 384 BC were the great philosophers at their time and they did influence the eastern society, mainly in Europe.

The sophist, the lecturers or teachers of Greece used to travel from one city to another in the late fifth century to teach for a fee. They used to teach various topics and subjects and their main aim was to provide training in oratory, the tips and techniques to win over opinions in the court and assemblies. Sophism was not a doctrine, but was a social movement aroused due to the rise of democracy.

At that time, education was not seen so important as today. Nations or states did not take any responsibilities of education like today. Knowledge used to spread depending upon the individual or group efforts. Hence, we can see that education in the western society was not institutionalized and was informal in nature to begin with. In the West, it took ages for education to take a formal shape or mode.

 In the early age, in the East education was very informal. The home used to be the school for the child. Even today home is considered or viewed as the first school as they learn to speak, crawl, walk and learns behavior of others. Parents used to be the teachers who used to have dialogues with their children about how to live and what to do for living. The basic teaching used to be person’s roles, responsibilities and duties towards self, family, society and nation. Children were told about truth, moral, respect, tolerance, sacrifice and spiritualism so that they can live a good and respectable life.

» Read More...

We know that education existed because it has certain goals like making a person responsible and making him a excellent product for the society.

Followings are the aims of education in a society:

In order to initiate a person or individual into society where he lives with other member of the society. It will help to make a friendly environment where everyone respects each other in a society.

To strengthen the nation by developing a sense of nationalism, commitment and sacrifice life for their country.

To enable people to have a control on their environment and to facilitate them to make a right choice.

To enable people to express their feelings and views, express their thought freely and clearly, and to enable them to take a leadership role in different fields and sectors.

To transform and transmit the culture of the nation and to preserve the cultural heritage which are the pride of the nation.

To help a person make him economically self-sufficient by emphasizing on functional education on his life.

In order to technologically and economically developed a society. It will help to contribute to social progress by developing different human resources needed by the society.

It will raise awareness among people about their rights and duties such as knowledge about using their democratic rights and responsibilities fully without affecting other’s rights at the same time. Unless we elect a person who is educated, democracy cannot give result to the society.

To make every individual of a society sincere, honest and loyal citizen. It helps to create an environment where people can live with brotherhood, truthfulness and justice so that each and every citizen can respect each other. This will help to create a world a better place to live.

To extend the technology and expertise with the help of international level and utilizing perfectly and properly utilizing to developing the society and nation.

To develop qualities of man innate. Education aims to make a person balanced emotionally, socially and spiritually.

All the same, the main point to note down is that the purpose of education has always been verified by the philosophy education, which is heavily and greatly affected by the philosophy of life itself.

» Read More...