1. Philosophical Foundations
Chapter 11

2. Philosophy Seeking after and loving wisdom
Philosophy of life…a set of beliefs and values that consciously and/or unconsciously govern our actions
Philosophy of education…a reasoned set of beliefs and values about teaching and learning

3. Four main branches of Philosophy
Metaphysics…a study of the true nature of existence, what is real
What is the meaning of life? Does life have a purpose? Are people born good, evil or neutral? Does the universe have a design or purpose?

4. Epistemology A study of what and how we know, what is knowable
What are the limits of knowledge, where do we find the sources of knowledge? How do we acquire knowledge? Are there ways of determining the validity of knowledge? What is the truth?

5. Logic
The study of the procedures for understanding the rules and techniques of reasoning
What is the validity of ideas and how can this be determined? What do our arguments mean? How can we avoid contradicting ourselves?
Deductive and Inductive reasoning

6. Axiology The study of values Values broken into ethics and aesthetics
Ethics is concerned with right and wrong…what one ought to do, how we should lead our lives
Aesthetics is concerned with the nature of beauty, how do we judge what we see, hear and touch

7. Educational Philosophy
Beliefs about teaching and learning
Understanding of knowledge
Perception of students
Determining what is worth knowing…what knowledge is of most value?

8. Perennialism
Sees the world as unchanging and permanent…all students learn and grow in similar ways
Teaching is orderly and carefully articulated. Traditional subjects of study are emphasized.
Students must internalize the wisdom of the ages…teachers talk, students listen.
Eternal truths are learned through great books

9. Progressivism
Believes that education is part of life itself, rather than a preparation for life in the future
Learners are active and self-motivated. Every student has unique needs and interests.
Teachers serve as facilitators. Students learn best through active involvement.
Knowledge is obtained by students as they interact with others. Students construct knowledge from what they see, hear and do.
Process of knowing is more important than product.

10. Essentialism
Believes that every educated person must have developed vital understandings in core areas of the curriculum
Student motivation often comes from the teacher and students must be disciplined to work hard to learn.
Teacher dispenses knowledge and students absorb knowledge.
Memorizing content and internalizing skills of traditional subjects
Traditional academic subjects, plus technology are what is valuable.

11. Existentialism
Views each person as an individual with the freedom and responsibility for her or his own actions
Students should have the freedom to choose, then take responsibility for their choices.
Teachers demonstrate the importance of the discipline…individual experiences are promoted.
Knowledge is discovering who we are as individuals.
Knowledge that leads to self-discovery and responsible choice is sought.

12. Social Reconstructionism
Believe that society must make significant changes and schools are agents of change
Students are the hope of the future and are capable of changing society.
Teachers lead by modeling democratic actions. Much learning occurs outside of classrooms.
The information and learning needed to be a part of society why implementing positive change is important for students.
Life skills necessary to become successful change agents for all students

13. Content of the Curriculum
Perennialist…train the mind in core, traditional subjects
Progressivist…integrated curriculum through topics of interest to students
Essentialist…rigorous common core plus technology…what is essential
Existentialist…understand self and life’s meaning
Social Reconstructionist…understand social justice and equity to create social change

14. Instructional Methodology
Perennialist…direct instruction, Socratic method
Progressivist…constructive and cooperative learning
Essentialist…traditional methods
Existentialist…methods model decision making and choosing
Social Reconstructionist…methods vary to guide students to understand and deal with social change

15. Perspectives of management and discipline
Perennialist…traditional methods that focus on control and respect
Progressivist…students actively participate in planning and implementing class rules and consequences
Essentialist…follow rules and work hard
Existentialist…students given equal responsibility for problems and conflict
Social Reconstructionist…importance of community building, effective group action