2. At the end of 15 minutes, the group should be able to:
1. determine the fundamental principles of pragmatism
and reconstructionism and;
2. describe the epistemology, metaphysics, axiology and
logic of pragmatism and reconstructionism and its
application in education.
3. PRAGMATISM
Came from Greek word “pragma”, matos
= deed, from prassein = to do
An American philosophy
Midway between Idealism and
Naturalism
7. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF
PRAGMATISM
Theory that works are true
There is no such thing as ABSOLUTE
knowledge, value and reality
Man judges what is useful for him
Man is a highly social character
Man is a supreme creation in the world
Life is a laboratory
8.
9. PRAGMATISM
EPISTEMOLOGY
Knowledge comes through experience-based activity
and ideas by acting and reacting with environment.
METAPHYSICS
Reality is the interaction of an individual with
environment or experience = no eternal reality
10. PRAGMATISM
AXIOLOGY
Man himself creates values. Values are not
predetermined (relative)
LOGIC
Reasoning is based on step by step method.
(experimental = specific to general)
11. PRAGMATISM VS
IDEALISM
Idealism – knowledge or idea leads to practice
Pragmatism – ideas are constricted from
experience
First comes practice – basis for principles and ideas
to derive
12. Realism believes in truth – Theory of Truth
According to realism – if an object is
considered hard then it should be hard to all
But pragmatism says – if hard to one then I
should experimentally prove it
PRAGMATISM VS
REALISM
13. DESCRIPTION
GOAL OF EDUCATION
Individual growth through processes, experience and
problem solving.
Develop and apply practical knowledge and skills for
life in a progressive democratic society.
NATURE OF
CURRICULUM
Learner-centered curriculum
ROLE OF TEACHERS Facilitator, Guide, Friend
ROLE OF STUDENTS Active learner, Problem-solvers, Process oriented
TEACHING METHOD Problem-based learning, Inquiry-based learning,
experiential learning
SUBJECT TAUGHT Language, Heath, history, geography, physics,
mathematics, sciences, domestic science for girls,
agriculture for boys
16. SOCIAL
RECONSTRUCTIONISM
Theodore Brameld (1904-1987)-the founder of
social reconstructionism, in reaction against the
realities of World War II.
Emphasizes the addressing of social questions and a quest
to create a better society and worldwide democracy
Believe that schools should originate policies and progress
which would bring about reform of the social order.
17. DESCRIPTION
GOAL OF EDUCATION
Use education to help solve significant social problems
to create a more effective democratic society
NATURE OF
CURRICULUM
Learner-centered curriculum
ROLE OF TEACHERS Facilitator, Guide
ROLE OF STUDENTS Problem-solvers/critical thinkers, socially oriented
TEACHING METHOD Problem-based learning, cooperative learning,
community-based learning, dialogue/debate
SUBJECT TAUGHT Politics, Economics, Religion, History (controversial
issues)
1. Pragmatism asserts that any theory that proves itself more successful in predicting and controlling our world than its rivals can be considered to be nearer the truth. It considers practical consequences or real effects to be vital components of both meaning and truth. More simply, something is true only insofar as it works
2. It arises out of actual living. It does not believe in fixed and eternal values. It is dynamic and ever-changing. It is a revolt against Absolutism. Reality is still in the making. It is never complete. Values are relative. Truth is man made and not ready made. the world is constantly changing and we have to adapt
3. Pragmatism is a utilitarian philosophy, The thing which gives satisfaction is useful. According to this only those ideas and things are true which have a utility for man.
4. People share experience in solving common problems, adapt to each other and to their environment. It promotes social efficacy.
5. Pragmatism believes in the power of God if the existence of God is helpful in the growth of human being otherwise not. It lays stress on action and its consequences. It considers reality as a process of the completion of a task.
6. Pragmatists consider experimental methods as the best means of attaining knowledge. ‘Learning by experience/doing’
Knowledge is a result of experience based on environment, things that can be observed and experienced are real.
REALITY IS ALWAYS CHANGING.
1. In pragmatism, values are derived from the human condition. Since man is a part of his society, the consequences of his actions are either good or bad, according to result
The pragmatist lays down standards which are attainable. Pragmatists are practical people.
They face problems and try to solve them from practical point of view.
Reconstructionsists believe that a “ Utopian Future” is a genuine possibility for mankind if we learn how to intervene and to direct change. They believe that the school should train students to be social activists in the tradition of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Nader and Jesse Jackson