school of thought

1. Presentation Topic - Pragmatism

2. Pragmatism
 ‘Pragmatism’ derived from Greek word ‘Pragma’ which
means action. It is philosophical tradition that began
in the United States around 1870.
 Charles Sanders peirce was an American philosopher,
mathematician ,logician and scientist and also known
as “the father of pragmatism”.
 Jhon Dewey is believed to be the active profounder of
Pragmatism.

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 William James said that Pragmatism and Practicalism
are same and term pragmatism is also known under
the name of progressive education and progressivism.
 He also said “Pragmatism is a temper of mind and an
attitude. It is also a theory of ideas and truth and
finally it is a theory about reality”.
 According to Raid, “Pragmatism makes activity ,
engagement , commitment and encounters its central
theme.

4. Principle of Pragmatism
1. Human life is like a laboratory . Each individual
undertakes experiments to solve the problems of his life.
2. Pragmatism makes human experience as the center of
reality.
3. It believes that reality is not readymade .it is still in
making.
4. It has deep faith in democracy and social values.
5. It has faith in present and immediate future.
6. It has faith in flexibility.
7. It is a utilitarian ideology.
8. It gives supreme position to action.

5. Pragmatism in Education and its Aims
1. Education as a social necessity.
2. Progressive education.
3. Education is a continuous process.
4. Education for freedom and worth of the individual.
5. Education is life.
6. Education is growth.
7. All round development of an individual.

6. Pragmatism and curriculum
It prescribes a broad and flexible type of curriculum . it
includes all experiences of the child that he has
received in the class-room , on the play ground , in the
library , laboratory and in various social relationships.
There are some principles which are mentioned below:
1. Utility principle.
2. Principle of child’s interests.
3. Principle of integration.

7. Pragmatism and Discipline
John Dewey said that, “Discipline is a mental attitude”.
 Pragmatism condemns enforced and strict discipline
 Pragmatism believes in social discipline based on
child’s interest , activities and a sense of responsibility.
 It maintains that “play and work” should be combined
and this combination will result in the formation of
mental attitude of discipline among pupil. It can’t be
imposed from the outside.

8. Pragmatism and method of teaching
Pragmatism doesn’t believe in an fixed method of teaching .
Pragmatic method is rooted in the psychological needs of
the students rather than the logical order of the subject.
Therefore ,principles and methods of teaching should be
oriented with the real life situations . They lay emphasis on
the following principles:
1. Principle of learning by doing.
2. Principle of providing real life situations.
3. Principle of integration.
John dewey and others developed Project method on the
basis of principles of pragmatism.

9. Pragmatism and Teacher
 Pragmatism regards the teacher as a helper and guide.
The teacher assumes the role of ‘arranger of
experiences’.
 According to pragmatism , teacher is not a dictator but
only a leader of group activities . He has to plan and
organise the teaching-learning situation , provide
learning experiences and opportunities for
experimentation . He must not impose himself on
children.

10. Limitation of Pragmatism
1. It by and large ignores internal values.
2. It pays little attention to spiritual values.
3. It advocates a utilitarian approach only.
4. It provides very insignificant place to cultural values.
5. It doesn’t give due importance to regular and
systematic instructions.
6. It believes that experience is all in all . It ignores the
knowledge accumulated through the ages.
7. It doesn’t indicate fixed educational goals.

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