Naturalism is a philosophy that believes ultimate reality lies in nature and its laws. It rejects supernatural concepts. Key naturalist philosophers include Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Herbert Spencer. Naturalism bases its metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology in the natural world. In education, naturalism advocates for child-centered learning through experience and freedom from interference, though it lacks consideration for individual differences and spiritual values.

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NATURALISM

2. NATURALISM
Naturalism is a concept that firmly
believes that ultimate reality lies in
the nature of the matter.
 Matter is considered to be supreme
and mind is the functioning of the
brain that is made up of matter.
 The whole universe is governed by
laws of nature and they are
changeable.

3. Contents
Roots of Naturalism1
Life and Works of Philosophers2
Based on the Division of Philosophy3
Strengths & Weakness of Naturalism5
Naturalism in Education4

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1. Roots of Naturalism
The oldest philosophy
Ionian pre-Socratic philosophers
Thales in 6th century B.C .
- father of science
 These early philosophers subscribed
to principles of empirical investigation
that strikingly anticipate naturalism.

5. Genevan
philosopher,
writer, andcomposer,
leader of the
Naturalistic
Movement,
French Revolution,
development of
modern political and
educational thought.
English
philosopher,
scientist, and
historian, one
of the founders
of modern
political
philosophy and
political science
English
philosopher,
biologist,
anthropologist,
sociologist, and
prominent
classical liberal
political theorist
2. Life & Works of Philosophers
Thomas
Hobbes
Jean
Jacques
Rousseau
Herbert
Spencer
(1588 –1679) (1712 –1778) (1820 –1903)

6. 3. Based on Division of Philosophy
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Axiology
NATURALISM

7. Naturalism based on Metaphysics
 A worldview which holds that there is
nothing but natural elements,
principles, and relations of the kind
studied by the natural sciences
 deals with existence
 rejects the supernatural concepts and
explanations
3. Based on Division of Philosophy

8. Naturalism based on Epistemology
 According to naturalism, reality and
nature are identical and beyond
nature there is no reality.
 Then how this theory of reality can be
proved true?
 This leads us to the naturalist theory
of knowledge ; by perception, sensory
knowledge, observation.
3. Based on Division of Philosophy

9. Naturalism based on Axiology
 Life’s values  Two general principles
i. General character of values
embedded in nature
ii. The most desirable values realised
in proportion to our harmonizing life
with nature  Greatest peace
; Pleasure and Satisfaction
3. Based on Division of Philosophy

10. 4. Naturalism in Education
Aims
Naturalistic
Education

11. Learner
 Individual is to be given unrestricted
freedom and only then his harmonious
development will take place.
 The checks on the child are also to be
natural.
 The naturalists advocate discipline by
natural consequences.
 A danger that the child may harm
himself and cause worry to the parents.
4. Naturalism in Education

12. Teacher
 Extreme naturalists ignore teacher;
because teacher will interfere with the
development of a child.
 If the teacher is to be there, let him
design situations which help in the
inculcation of right type of habits in the
children.
 As a director of activity, the teacher
should not overdo his role or overact his
role.
4. Naturalism in Education

13. Curriculum
 Child centered according to the present
and future needs of the child
 Curriculum divided under two stages
i. Earlier stage : Sensory training
ii. Later stage : Subjects are include in
the curriculum through activities and
occupations like physical sciences,
language, mathematics, manual work,
trade, moral education, etc.
4. Naturalism in Education

14. Aims
 Rousseau says that . . .
education aims at the inner faculties,
capacities and powers of the child
aim of education is not preparation for life,
but participation in it
Each stage through which a child passes
has a specific aim of education
4. Naturalism in Education

15. 4. Naturalism in Education
1st
to gain
knowledge
and all the
wants and
needs of a
child are to
be fulfilled
2nd
to provide
the child
with the
strength that
the child
lacks of the
ability of
being free
3rd
to enable the
child to
acquire
useful
knowledge
which would
satisfy the
child’s wants
Aims

16. 4. Naturalism in Education
The aim of education is
to develop the child
emotionally and morally
according to the child’s
needs.

17. Strengths
 Clear formation of the psychological and
scientific conception of education
 Freedom for child from tyranny and
rigidity, interference and strict discipline
 Spontaneous self-activity of the child
 new psychological methods in
educations
5. Strengths and Weaknesses

18. Strengths
 Self-expression, follow nature, auto
education, plays way, self-discipline and
non-interference, etc.
 The great strength of Naturalism is its
simplicity. It does not complicate the
perception of existence by using
abstract concepts.
5. Strengths and Weaknesses

19. Weaknesses
 It is based on one- sided psychology.
Irrespective of their individual differences,
capacities and temperament
 Direct experiences cannot be provided all
the time; expensive and something
impossible
 It gives no place to the spiritual values.
5. Strengths and Weaknesses

20. Weaknesses
 Some of the principles envisaged by
naturalism are not possible to be
practiced in the existing situations.
 Ross rightly opines ‘it is in educational
ideals, not in methods that naturalism
fails to satisfy.’
5. Strengths and Weaknesses

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