Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

REACTION PAPER NO. 1

I. SUMMARY
Naturalism is a doctrine denying everything in reality that has supernatural
significance. Scientific law account for all phenomena. Any teological conception of
nature is invalid. There is an utter denial of the miraculous and the supernatural.
Revelation is rejected. Truth can be discovered only through nature. According to
naturalism, the ultimate explanation of all reality to be found in nature. The doctrine of
all-sufficiency and primacy of nature is affirmed. The natural laws are viewed as the
ultimate explanation of all material reality, which naturalism holds as the only reality
that man can ultimately know.
The earliest philosophers with whom historical accounts of philosophy began were
actually naturalists. The three men who were regarded as the first philosophers were
Thales (c.624-546 B.C) , Anaximander (c.610-545 B.C), Anaximenes (585-528 B.C).
The forerunner of naturalism in education was Montaigne; the father of John Locke; its
theorist was Rousseau; the one who brought naturalism into the school was Based,
among its exponents were Spencer in England, Dewey in the United States, and Orata
in the Philippines. Also, Thomas Hobbes popularized naturalism in Europe.
Forms of Naturalism. The naturalism of today is not one distinct school
philosophical thought but a conglomeration of many schools. It is often allied with such
false philosophies as materialism, positivism, pragmatism, and with two philosophies
which are domestically opposed namely, socialism and individualism.
Naturalism stresses the necessity of adapting the method of education to the
“natural”-development of the child. This is commendable as long as such adaptation
recognizes the learner’s true essence.
Moreover, naturalism has emphasized the importance of physical education
including its value in health and sound mental development. Under the aegis of
naturalis, the study of natural science has received universal attention and has become
an inseparable part of modern education. Thus, naturalism accounts, in part, for the
exploration of scientific knowledge.
To sum it up, naturalism denies a supernatural element in man’s nature; makes the
natural sciences, rather than philosophy, the basis of a theory in education; gives a
paramount place to the natural sciences in the naturalistic program of education; holds
that inductive method.
 Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No: 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph
_______________________________________________________________________________
II. REFLECTION
I learned that the naturalist believe that the natural world is the real world. They
don’t have faith in existence of soul, God and spiritual world , they only believe in a real
world, matter and nature. In Naturalism emphasizes the child's free and spontaneous
self-expression. As Rousseau and Gandhi said, his catchphrase is "return to nature."
Therefore, all of a child's learning flows from his own experience and its natural
consequences. Naturalists observe the world as it is. They perceive reality as it is in its
natural state. They reject the existence of spiritual values or objective truths.
I learned this when I am still a student of education and Naturalism has a great
impact on theory as well as the practice of education. As education student, they taught
us not only the meaning, but how to determine and apply it when we became a teacher.
For example, in systems of educations with naturalistic philosophy, there is no place for
classrooms, textbooks, time-table, formal exams, etc. and its against to our present
teaching. So, we must determine if it’s a naturalistic way or not. I first learned also,The
theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner,
professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of
intelligence, based on IQ testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight
different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and
adults
This learning matters because as an educator or a teacher naturalism considers
child as a present of nature with potentialities for natural growth consistent with laws of
nature. the child is a lively individual capable of self- development. The aim of
education is to develop the kid as healthy and active personality during a natural
setting. It lays emphasis on learning by doing. Teacher’s role should be that of a stage
setter. He should be able to provide material and environment to facilitate the
development and learning of the child. A teacher should allow lots of time for
naturalistic learners to explore. Take note of how they approach the world in a unique
way. Provide as many hands-on materials, activities, and opportunities for kids to apply
their curiosity and analytical skills as possible.
In light of this learning Naturalism's educational philosophy has its own strengths
and drawbacks. It gives the student independence, which is unique. This technique has
had a significant impact on modern education and teaching approaches. Its goal is to
make learning more authentic, engaging, and meaningful. It is also beneficial to society
since it rejects superstitions. Regardless of its benefits, it has some flaws, and some of
its recommendations may be difficult to implement. It has a tendency to overlook life's
ideals and purpose. It subordinates all values to materialism and ignores spiritual
values.
 Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No: 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph
_______________________________________________________________________________