This document discusses the educational philosophy of pragmatism. It emerged in response to scientists like Darwin and philosophers like Pierce who promoted critical thinking over religious dogma. Pragmatism sees knowledge as constantly changing and reality as a process. As a result, pragmatic learning environments and methods focus on adapting to students' changing needs through problem-solving approaches that transfer to other areas. Pragmatists emphasize exploring issues over providing explanations, teaching students how to think rather than what to think. This led pragmatism to replace common teaching methods with a greater focus on asking questions like "why" and "what if" instead of simply stating facts.

1. Pragmatism
(Experimentalism)
Kristen Karazsia
Educational Philosophies Presentation
Sept. 28, 2015

2. John Dewey, (1859-1952) a
philosopher, psychologist, Georgist, and educational
reformer believed…

3. Out with the old (religion), in with the new
(critical thinking)…
At a time when society was religion-based and human-centered, a
change occurred thanks to the minds of men like scientist Charles Darwin,
mathematician Charles Pierce, and psychologist William James.
Darwin, who wrote “The Origin of Species” shook previously-held views
about creation and religion. Pierce and James developed principles that 1.
rejected dogmas or preconceived truths and 2. promoted testing to verify
ideas.
The fresh approach taken by these men caused a shift in educational
philosophy called PRAGMATISM (Experimentalism).

4. According to page 32 of “Philosophical
Foundations of Curriculum…”
1. Pragmatism is based on change, process, and relativity.
2. Pragmatism construes knowledge as a process in which
reality is constantly changing.
As a result…
3. Pragmatic learning environments are constantly changing
to meet the ever-changing student.
4. Pragmatic learning occurs as a person engages in problem
solving in a way that is transferable to other walks of life.

5. The pragmatist’s approach…
*is exploratory versus explanatory.
*focuses on the method of teaching, versus the
subject taught.
*teaches students HOW to think, not WHAT to think.
TEACHING AND CURRICULUM SHOULD
FOCUS ON CRITICAL THINKING!!

6. The rise of pragmatism replaced the common
doctrines and teaching and recitation of
knowledge.
Instead of Saying
This…
A Pragmatist Would
Say This…
What? Why?
Who? How come?
When? What if?

7. Works Cited…
 Ornstein, Allan, C. & Hunkins, F. (2013). Curriculum: Foundations, Principles,
and Issues. Boston, MA: Pearson.