PRAGMATISM

 INTRODUCTION

The word “philosophy” comes from a combination of two greek words ‘philos’ and ‘sophia’.

The term ‘philos’ means love and ‘sophia’ means wisdom. Therefore, philosophy means the

love of wisdom.

Branches of philosophy

1. Metaphysics (Theory of Reality)

2. Logic (the study of ideal method of thought & reasoning)

3. Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge)

4. Ethics (Theory of morality)

5. Aesthetics (the discussion of beauty)

6. Axiology (Theory of values)

PRAGMATISM

 It is a philosophical thought which estimates that the value of anything is based on

its practical utility.

 It is recognised as a Native philosophy of America.

 It is considered as a midway between Idealism and Naturalism.

 Pragmatism – Experience is the source of all knowledge.

 The term pragmatism is derived from the Greek word “Pragmatigos” which means

“Action”.

 The word practice and practical have come from “Pragmatigos”.

Education experiences in life depends on two things in life:

1. Thought

2. Action

The emphasis of pragmatism is on Action rather on Thought.

 Charles pierce is considered as the Father of pragmatic philosophy.

 Pragmatism is also called progressivism or progressive education because it

represents progressive trends in education.

 Chief exponents of pragmatism

 Charles Pierce

 William James

 John Dewey

 Kilpatrick and others

Basic principles of pragmatism

 They believe that man is primarily a biological and social organism.

 Past for the man is dead and gone. Tomorrow would come with its own problems

and with their own solutions.

 Pragmatism gave emphasis to “Learning by doing”.

They consider “Action as real and Ideas are tools”.

 There are no absolute value of life. Values are flexible in nature. They change

with time and circumstances.

 Mind is a dynamic process which functions within a man.

 The growth of personality is the product of action and discovery. Development of

personality is possible only in a social context.

 Truth is that which works in practical situations. Truth should be workable.

 Thought and knowledge emerges from search and inquiry.

 It prefers self-activity. According to pragmatism. Teaching learning is a social

process where in the sharing of experiences between the teacher and the taught

taken place.

Aims of Education

 Creation of a socially efficient individual.

 Education should help the child to adjust with the realities of life and environment.

 Education should foster competences in the children to tackle the problems of

future life.

 Transmit the social background and outlook of the community to the rising

generation.

 Education should bring physical, mental and moral changes in the child.

 Education should bring changes in the behaviour of the individuals by providing

them with healthy activities.

 In short we can say that the major aim of education according to pragmatism is

“Education is for life”

Pragmatism and curriculum

 Curriculum should be experience based or activity based. It assigns due place in the

interest of the child.

 Life is the subject matter of interest.

 Pragmatic curriculum consists of the totality of experiences that the pupils receive

through the manifold activities in the school – In the classroom, library, laboratory,

playground etc.

 Subjects included in the curriculum are social science, biology, sociology, human

psychology, anthropology, literature, mathematics, physical training, hygienic etc.

Methods of Teaching

 Give the children the sense of reality in the school, making the schools into

workshops, laboratories and inspiring educational experimental places.

 The important method in pragmatism is project method, it is the contribution of

pragmatic philosophy in education.

 The important methods of teaching according to pragmatism are :

 Project method

 Learning by doing method

 Discovery method

 Enquiry method

 Problem solving method

 Play way method

 Experimental and Laboratory techniques

(Basic principle is learning by doing)

Role of Teacher

 The chief function of the teacher is to suggest problems to his pupils and to

stimulate them to find by themselves, the solutions that will work.

 Teacher must provide opportunities for the natural development of innate

qualities of children.

 Teacher should be a helper and guide.

 It considers teacher as an arranger of experiences – Stage setter, director,

facilitator, motivator etc.

 Teacher should be friend and philosopher.

PRAGMATISM AND DISCIPLINE

 There is no place for rewards and punishments.

 It stresses social discipline.

 Discipline comes from purposive and cooperative activities.

CONTRIBUTION OF PRAGMATISM

 Project method.

 Helps to realise the values of today’s life.

 Saves child from the burden of education which is too much centred on

books.

 Pragmatic ideology gave a new position to the teacher in the educational

process, teacher became the co-worker and guide of the students.

 It encourage democratic way of learning.

LIMITATION OF PRAGMATISM

 Little attention to spiritual values.

 Too much emphasis on material things.

 Project method alone can’t be used.

 Heavy demands on the teachers.

 Does not indicate fixed educational goals.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, philosophy in education aims at improving the quality of life, the

betterment of humanity and the improvement in education of future

generation.