Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad

ID : 0000107946
Name : Sami Uddin Shinwari
Code : PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION (8609) Bed 1.5 year
Semester : Autumn 2022 (3rd Semester )
Tutor: Sir. Muhammad Arif Khattak
Assignment No (One)
Q.1 Discuss the role of philosophy in educating a society. (20)

ANS:

Philosophy plays a crucial role in educating a society by providing individuals with the tools and
frameworks to think critically and rationally about the world around them. It encourages individuals
to question their assumptions and beliefs, and to consider different perspectives and ideas. This helps
to promote intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, which are essential for a well-educated
society. Additionally, philosophy provides a framework for understanding and discussing ethics,
morality, and social issues, which helps individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to a
more just and equitable society. Overall, philosophy plays an important role in fostering critical
thinking and intellectual development, which are essential for a well-educated and informed society.

 Philosophy can provide a framework for critical thinking and reasoning, helping individuals to
better understand and analyze complex issues and ideas.
 Philosophy can promote the development of ethical and moral values, encouraging individuals to
consider the implications of their actions and decisions on others.
 Philosophy can foster a sense of curiosity and inquiry, encouraging individuals to question
assumptions and seek out new knowledge and understanding.
 Philosophy can provide a means of understanding and interpreting different cultural and historical
perspectives, helping to promote cultural understanding and tolerance.
 Philosophy can inspire individuals to reflect on their own beliefs and values, encouraging them to
question and re-evaluate their own assumptions and prejudices.
 Philosophy can provide a foundation for interdisciplinary study, connecting different fields of
knowledge and helping to foster a holistic understanding of the world and human experience.
 Philosophy can inspire individuals to think deeply and creatively, encouraging them to explore
new ideas and perspectives and to consider the implications of their thinking on their own lives
and the world around them.

END OF QUESTION NO 1
Q.2 Define realism. What are the influences of realism on education?
ANS:
Realism :-
Realism in education is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of objective knowledge and the
study of the natural world. This approach to education argues that the purpose of education is to
provide students with a thorough understanding of the facts and principles of the natural world, and to
develop the ability to reason and think critically about these facts. Realists believe that education
should be based on the scientific method, and that students should be taught to observe and
experiment in order to understand the natural world. They also argue that education should be
grounded in logic and reason, and that students should be taught to think logically and to question
assumptions. Realists believe that this approach to education will help students to develop the skills
and knowledge needed to become successful and productive members of society.

Influences of realism on education :-

 Emphasis on objective knowledge: Realism in education emphasizes the importance of objective

knowledge and the study of the natural world. This approach to education argues that the purpose
of education is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the facts and principles of the
natural world.
 Scientific method: Realists believe that education should be based on the scientific method, and
that students should be taught to observe and experiment in order to understand the natural world.
They also argue that education should be grounded in logic and reason, and that students should be
taught to think logically and to question assumptions.
 Logical thinking: Realists believe that students should be taught to think logically and to question
assumptions. This approach to education will help students to develop the skills and knowledge
needed to become successful and productive members of society.
 Emphasis on reason: Realism in education emphasizes the importance of reason and logical
thinking. This approach to education argues that students should be taught to think critically about
the facts and principles of the natural world, and to use reason to understand and interpret these
facts.
 Focus on critical thinking: Realism in education emphasizes the importance of critical thinking,
encouraging students to question assumptions and to think independently.
 Emphasis on facts and principles: Realism in education emphasizes the importance of objective
knowledge and the study of facts and principles of the natural world. This approach to education
argues that education should be based on the scientific method and logical thinking.
 Objectivity: Realism in education emphasizes the importance of objectivity, encouraging students
to separate their own personal biases and beliefs from the facts and principles they are studying.
 END OF QUESTION NO 2

Q.3 Which philosophy id dominant in our contemporary educational system?

ANS:-

It is difficult to say which philosophy is dominant in our contemporary educational system as

different schools and educational institutions may have different philosophies and approaches.
However, it is widely acknowledged that the dominant philosophy in contemporary education is a
combination of multiple philosophies such as progressivism, constructivism, and behaviorism.

Progressivism emphasizes the importance of student-centered education and the development of

critical thinking skills. It emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, problem-solving and
inquiry-based learning.

Constructivism emphasizes the importance of active learning and the role of the student in
constructing their own knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of learning through experience and
the use of real-world examples.

Behaviorism emphasizes the importance of measurable learning outcomes and the use of rewards and
punishments to shape student behavior. It emphasizes the importance of breaking down skills into
small, measurable steps, and the use of repetition to help students master the material.

In summary, the dominant philosophy in contemporary education is a combination of these three

philosophies, which emphasizes student-centered education, active learning, critical thinking,
problem-solving, and measurable learning outcomes.

END OF QUESTION NO 3
Q.4 Describe the organization of school demanded by naturalism.
ANS:-
Naturalism in education is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural
world and how it operates. Schools organized by this philosophy would focus on providing students
with a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, with an emphasis on hands-on,
experiential learning and critical thinking. The curriculum would be grounded in scientific method
and based on facts, principles and laws of nature.

The school would be organized in a way that students are exposed to different aspects of naturalism
such as botany, zoology, geology and other natural sciences. The school would have a lab for students
to conduct experiments and learn by observing and analyzing the natural world.

Teachers would be trained to teach students how to think critically and to question assumptions, and
to use reason and logic to understand and interpret the natural world. They would also be trained to
use the scientific method, and to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to become
successful and productive members of society.

Naturalism in education also emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities, field trips, and
environmental studies, which helps to develop in students a sense of connection to the natural world,
and a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Overall, schools organized by naturalism would focus on providing students with a strong foundation
in the natural sciences and mathematics, with an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning and
critical thinking in order to understand the natural world and its laws.

More explanation

 This philosophy advocates for the use of observation, experimentation, and scientific method in
teaching.
 It also emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning, where students can directly
interact with and study the natural world.
 Naturalism emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to education, where the subjects are
not seen in isolation but interconnected.
 This philosophy also emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking, problem-solving,
and analytical skills in students.
 Naturalism also emphasizes the importance of teaching students to respect and appreciate the
natural environment and to develop an environmentally responsible behavior.
 In terms of the organization of school, naturalism calls for a curriculum that is based on the study
of the natural world and its laws, and for the use of technology and other resources that enable
students to explore and learn from the natural world.

END OF QUESTION NO 4

Q.5 Define rational knowledge. How is it different from intuitive knowledge?

Rational Knowledge:-

Rational knowledge refers to knowledge that is acquired through reason and logical thinking, as
opposed to knowledge that is acquired through experience or observation. It is based on the use of
logic, evidence, and critical thinking to understand and explain the world. This kind of knowledge is
acquired through the use of reason and logical arguments, rather than through observation or
experience. Rational knowledge is often associated with the natural and social sciences, mathematics,
and other disciplines that rely on the use of reason and logic to understand and explain the world. It is
also associated with reasoning, critical thinking, and logical thinking skills, which are essential in
many fields of study and in everyday life.

Rational knowledge different from intuitive knowledge

 Rational knowledge and intuitive knowledge are two different forms of knowledge that are
acquired through different means.
 Rational knowledge is acquired through reason and logical thinking, while intuitive knowledge is
acquired through direct experience, insight, or understanding that is not necessarily based on
logical reasoning or evidence.
 Rational knowledge is based on facts and evidence, while intuitive knowledge is based on a
person's feelings or personal experience.
 Rational knowledge is often associated with the natural and social sciences, mathematics, and
other disciplines that rely on the use of reason and logic to understand and explain the world,
while intuitive knowledge is associated with personal understanding and subjective experience
that comes from the self.
 Rational knowledge is acquired through logical arguments, while intuitive knowledge is acquired
through direct experience or understanding.
 Rational knowledge is usually generalizable and can be shared with others, while intuitive
knowledge is personal and unique to the individual.
 In summary, rational knowledge is knowledge acquired through logical reasoning, facts, and
evidence, while intuitive knowledge is knowledge acquired through direct experience, feelings,
and personal understanding.

END OF QUESTION NO 5