The Philosophical analysis of Pragmatism and Reconstructionism

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..