1. Mir chakar khan rind university sibi
Topic
Submitted to : Dr Syed Faiz ul Hassan
Presented by : Ejaz Gul
Naturalism
2. Father of naturalism
Jean-Jacques-Rousseau, a swiss philosopher is considered the father of
naturalism. He was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1778.Roussea was
actually a political philosopher and he has great contribution in French
revolution.
He is also famous for his novel based on topic of education named Emile. He
is also famous for his quote man is born free but everywhere he is in chain.
3. Introduction to naturalism
Naturalism as a philosophy of education was developed in the 18th century.
While idealism stress upon “transcendental self”, naturalism is concerned
with ‘natural self or ‘real self, Naturalists emphasize upon matter contrary
to the very concept of idea of idealism.
There is nothing beyond nature, behind nature and other than nature.
Nature justifies all existence including human beings and their nature
because represents the wholeness of reality.
Naturalism applies natural laws to the entire human experiences.
4. Definitions
In philosophy, naturalism is the idea or belief that only natural laws and
forces (as opposed to supernatural ones) operate in the universe.
Thomas and Lamg “Naturalism is opposed to idealism. It subordinates
mind to matter and holds that ultimate reality in material not spiritual
6. Physical naturalism
This form of naturalism establishes the fact that laws of physical nature
govern the laws of human life. Reality exists not in the individual but in
the natural universe.
Since, human life is controlled by external nature, it should be in
accordance with the natural laws As such, this philosophy relegates man
into the background and this has not influenced educational theory and
practice.
7. Mechanical naturalism
This form regards man as a machine without spirit and is governed by
mechanical laws. He has no creative capacity, purpose or direction.
The aim is to train man to work in perfect manner as a machine.
Behaviorism in psychology owes to it for its birth.
8. Biological naturalism
Believing in evolution this form of naturalism emphasizes that each
creature has an urge to live and it struggles to exist.
Self-preservation is the law of life.
A man is born with natural tendencies, propensities and endowments and
untamed instincts which should be sublimated for socially desirable
ends.
9. Naturalism in education
Naturalism in education stands for the doctrine of “follow nature” in
education.
It wants all education to be in strict conformity with the nature of the
child. It stands for complete freedom to be given to the child in learning.
He is to be left alone, absolutely free. Let him learn from the pages of
nature without interference from any quarter.
He is to be thrown into Nature as an explorer and discoverer.
10. Methods of Teaching
Some important methods of teaching are noted down as:
1. Instead of emphasizing direct method of teaching through lecture or text-books,
naturalists preferred learning by doing for gaining direct and first hand experiences.
Rousseau laments “Give to your pupils no verbal lesson, he should be taught by
experience alone.
2. In the study of language, direct methods of teaching are advocated to ensure the
command of students upon the vocabulary.
3. . In the teaching of science observation, experimentation and heuristic method in place
of chalk and talk method are to be strictly followed.
4. Civics could be taught through actual practice of self-government in schools.
5. Morality can be developed through natural consequences of action.
11. Teacher and naturalism
The place of teacher under naturalistic system of education is behind the
scene; he is an observer and facilitator of the child’s development rather
than a giver of information, ideas, will power and a moulder of
character.
Teacher should understand the child—his nature, tendencies, impulses,
interests etc.
The child knows better what, where and how he should learn. So,
according to naturalism, a teacher is only a stage setter, a supplier of
materials and opportunities, creator of conducive, environment for the
full blooming of natural development of the child.
12. Conclusion
To sum up, it is regarded as the outstanding philosophy of education, as it gives
important place to the child in the entire educative process by providing freedom for
his natural development. It is rightly said to be the harbinger of progressive
education. Modern education is indebted to this philosophy as naturalism influences
every aspects of it.
Although it failed to satisfy the purposes of life, it is still outstanding as far as its
laudable methods of teaching are concerned. Therefore, it has exercised a great
influence on the theory and practice of education in modern days.
