1. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Philosophical Foundations Chapter 3

2. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Philosophy defined… n Greek origin –The love of wisdom; the love of learning n A statement summarizing the attitudes, principle, beliefs, values, and concepts held by an individual or group. n “…a state of mind based on your values and beliefs” (Bensley, 1993, p. 2)

3. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Why Does One Need a Philosophy? n Both simple and complex n Helps form the basis for reality; how we see the world n Key factor in choice of occupation, spouse, religion, & friends n Helps to determine how one lives, works, plays, & generally approaches life.

4. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Principles & Philosophies Associated with Health n Philosophy of symmetry Health has physical, emotional, spiritual, & social components; all of equal importance n Holistic philosophy “… a man [sic] is essentially a unified integrated organism” (Oberteufer, 1953, p.105)

5. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Principles & Philosophies Associated with Health (con’t.) n Humanism “promotes the basic premise of the worth of human life and the ability of individuals to achieve…self fulfillment” (Bedworth & Bedworth, 1992, p. 5) n Wellness Always a positive quality (as opposed to illness being negative); visualized as the integration of the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, environmental, & social dimensions of health to form a whole “healthy person.”

6. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Leading Philosophical Viewpoints n Loren Bensley –“the development of individual potential through decision making and action.” n Joyce Fetro –“an ‘ongoing process’…” n Marian Hamburg –“unexpected opportunities,” “mentorship,” “cooperation,” & “networking” n John Seffrin –“enabling of individuals to achieve a level of personal freedom…”

7. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Developing a Philosophy n Answer in reference to self –What is important? –What is most valued? –What ideals are held? Note: to answer these questions consider, –Personal values & beliefs –What health means to you –Attributes of people you admire & trust –Results of studies & meaningful readings –Outcomes you would like to see from health education –Identify ways the answers to the questions above influence the way you believe & act

8. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Developing a Philosophy (con’t.) n Begin to draft your philosophy n Your philosophy should reflect & identify those factors, principles, ideals, & influences that help shape reality for you. n Remember –A philosophy results from the sum of knowledge, experience, & principles –A philosophy is a reflection of one’s perspective –Don’t be too limiting n Is your philosophy consistent with being a health educator?

9. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Predominate Health Education Philosophies (Welle, Russell, & Kittleson, 1995) n Behavior change philosophy –Focuses on modifying unhealthy habits n Cognitive-based philosophy –Focuses on the acquisition of content & factual information n Decision-making philosophy –Emphasizes critical thinking and lifelong learning

10. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Predominate Health Education Philosophies (con’t.) n Freeing/functioning philosophy –Focuses on freeing people to make the best health decision for them, not necessarily for society n Social change philosophy –Emphasizes creation of social, economic, & political change that benefits health of individuals & groups n Eclectic philosophy –Focuses on an adapting an approach that is appropriate for the setting

11. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Impacting the Delivery of Health Education n A health educator’s philosophy will impact the approach he/she takes to a job n Which of the six predominant health education philosophies best aligns with what you consider to be the work of a health educator?

12. Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Philosophical Foundations Chapter 3 – The End