The document outlines the principles of pragmatism and reconstructionism. It discusses the founders and key exponents of pragmatism, including Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. The fundamental principles of pragmatism are presented, including that theories are true if they work and there is no absolute knowledge or reality. Pragmatism's epistemology, metaphysics, axiology, and logic are defined. Reconstructionism is described as being rooted in pragmatism and emphasizing addressing social questions and reforming society. The goals, nature of curriculum, roles of teachers and students, and teaching methods of pragmatism and reconstructionism in education are also summarized.

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

4. FOUNDER
CHARLES SANDERS
PEIRCE
1839-1914
Coined the word
“pragmatism” means
practical. Thought must
produce action.

5. CHIEF EXPONENT
WILLIAM JAMES
1842-1910
“Idea must have practical
and satisfactory results”

6. EXPONENT
“Experience is not an object
known but an ACTION
PERFORMED”
.
John Dewey
1859-1952

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

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

15. RECONSTRUCTI
ONISM:
ROOTED IN
PRAGMATISM

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)

19. THINK ABOUT THIS..