PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
TOPIC 3
HED3153 - MS. ARIESSA
3.1 WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY
◼ The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and
existence
◼ A theory as a guiding principle for behavior
◼ In Ancient Greek, Philos means love, Sophia means Wisdom
◼ To understand truths about themselves, the world and the
relationship to the world and to each other
◼ To enhance people’s problem solving skills
◼ To help analyze concepts, definitions, arguments and problems
◼ To help organize ideas and issues, values and focus on important
information
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3.2 INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY
(EASTERN AND WESTERN)
◼ Western
◼ Took place in Athens during 5th century BC
◼ Main philosophers are Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
◼ Eastern
◼ Began in Ancient China during 6th century BC
◼ Main philosophers are Lao Tzu, Buddha and Confucius
◼ Both
◼ aims to make us wiser, less agitated, more thoughtful and appreciate lives
◼ center on qualities
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WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
◼ Has 3 fundamental eras – ancient, medieval and
modern
◼ Socrates – the father of Western Philosophy
◼ Mainly used in the Western parts of the world
◼ Deals with individualism
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SOCRATES
◼ The Oracle’s Claim:
-Socrates’s friend Chaerephon asked the Oracle of Delphi if anyone was wiser than Socrates.
-The Oracle said no one was wiser than Socrates.
◼ Socratic Method:
-Socrates liked to ask lots of questions to figure out what people really thought about important things like happiness, justice, and truth
◼ Sources About Socrates:
-Socrates didn’t write anything down.
-His students, Plato and Xenophon, wrote about him.
-Plato also used Socrates as a character in some stories.
◼ Trial and Death:
-Socrates was accused of not believing in the gods and leading young people astray.
-He was found guilty and sentenced to die.
-Socrates chose to stay in Athens and was executed by drinking poison.
◼ Plato’s Legacy:
-After Socrates died, Plato started a school called the Platonic Academy.
-Plato believed that being virtuous (doing the right thing) was linked to having knowledge.
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PLATO (427 - 347 BCE)
◼ Founded Theory of Forms.
◼ A founder of Western Philosophy (Science and mathematics).
◼ Was a student of Socrates and taught Aristotle.
◼ He founded The Academy.
◼ dedicated his life to learning & teaching.
◼ He is also famous for his dialogues (early, middle, and late), which showcase his metaphysical theory of forms.
- “The Republic”
- “The Symposium”
◼ His contributions range across numerous philosophical subfields, including (but not limited to) ethics, cosmology, and metaphysics.
Simple Terms of Theory of Forms
◼ Form: The perfect, unchangeable idea of something, like the perfect circle or the perfect cat. It’s not something you can see or
touch—just an ideal idea in your mind.
◼ Real Things: The actual circles or cats you see and touch. They are examples of the perfect idea but aren’t exactly perfect
themselves.
HED3153 - MS. ARIESSA
ARISTOTLE (384 - 322 BCE)
◼ A polymath.
◼ Joined Plato’s Academy in Athens until the age of 37.
◼ Philosophical ideas; The founder of logical theory.
◼ Plato’s best student, taught Alexander the Great.
◼ Peripatetic philosopher (to walk around)
◼ He founded a school in Athens, the Lyceum.
◼ Famous Works: “Nicomachean Ethics” & “Politics”
◼ Major contributions;
- Logic
- Metaphysics
- Ethics
- Politics
- Natural Sciences (empirical research)
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
◼ Related to collectivism
◼ Originated in East and South Asia
◼ Included Chinese, Japanese, Korean
and Vietnamese philosophies
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LAO TZU (6TH CENTURY BCE)
◼ An ancient Chinese philosopher
◼ old master
◼ His work; “Tao Te Ching” - Tao (The Way), virtue (Te)
◼ 81 chapters, written in a poetic and aphoristic style.
◼ Founder of Taoism (The Way) & Wu Wei (Effortless Action)
◼ Suggested education should focus on helping individuals discover their own path.
Simpler term:
- The river (Tao)
-The boat (Human)
Conclusion: you make good choices when you follow the natural way.
BUDDHA (563 - 483 BCE)
◼ Siddartha Gautama
◼ Founded Buddhism in India in 6th-5th centuries BCE
◼ Philosophy: The Four Noble Truths
-Suffering (Dukkha): Life involves suffering and dissatisfaction.
-Origin of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving and attachment.
-Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): Suffering can end if craving and attachment cease.
-Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga): The Eightfold Path is the way to end suffering.
CONFUCIUS (551 - 479 BCE)
◼ A Chinese Philosopher
3.3 THE RELATION OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION TO
PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
◼ Wisdom ◼ Transmit wisdom to next
◼ Deals with goals generation
◼ Gives ideas, values and ◼ Means to achieve those goals
principles ◼ Works out those ideas, values
◼ Formulae the method and principles
◼ Runs the process
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PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
◼ A statement to identify
beliefs, values and
individuals with respect
to education
◼ To inspire and direct
educational planning,
programs and
processes in any given
setting
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3.4 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
◼ Education in Malaysia is an on-going
effort towards further developing the
potential of individuals in a holistic and
integrated manner, so as to produce
individuals who are intellectually,
spiritually, emotionally and physically
balanced and harmonious, based on a
firm belief in and devotion to God.
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NATIONAL EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY (NEP)
◼ Envisioned all educational processes at the national level
◼ NEP (1988) was in line with Rukun Negara aims to build a united and
progressive society
◼ As a multi ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural society, Malaysia
needs a coherent NEP based on Malay tradition and Islam religion
including Eastern and Western philosophies brought by the entry of
Chinese and Indians
◼ NEP was tailored to meet the need of individual citizens, family and
society in the country for their unity and betterment.
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6 FACTORS OF NEP FORMATION
◼ Religion – Islam as the official religion of the country and freedom to embrace
other religions
◼ Social – multicultural structure of the society
◼ Political – ideology of the country to determine education policy
◼ Economic – educational goals to bring development and progress
◼ Individual – basic needs for security, human development and self-actualization
◼ Globalization –global outlook and vision to develop global education and citizens
to gain global recognition
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CONCLUSION
◼ It is obvious that educators play a very important role in ensuring the realisation of the
Philosophy of Teacher Education.
◼ “Let us therefore join hands and make it a dream come true for the betterment of our young
generation and the nation”
