Naturalis
m in
Education
ARLENE S. DE GUZMAN
ZYRON TABAJONDA
Doctor of Philosophy- Filipino
Language
Introduction to
Naturalism
In education Philosophy of naturalism
was a revolt against the stereotyped education
system and against the artificiality of life.
Proponents of naturalism believes that it
is a self-sufficient entity. According to them
Nature is the ultimate reality
Natural world is the real world
Nature alone consists of the answer to all
philosophical problems.
Introduction to
Naturalism
Back to nature is the phrase to watch with
naturalism philosophy.
Naturalism believes that nature and reality are
identical and there is no reality without nature.
It does not believe in spiritualism and
supernaturalism.
Material world is the real world.
Naturalism Definition
Dr. Pram Nath “ Naturalism is an attitude rather than a
specific system of philosophy”
Thomas and Lamg “ Naturalism is opposed to idealism. It
subordinates mind to matter and holds that ultimate reality in
material not spiritual”
Rusk’s views “Naturalism is a philosophical position adopted
by those who approach philosophy from a purely scientific
point of view.”
RB Perry’s view “Naturalism is the philosophical
generalization of science – the application of the theories of
science to the problem of philosophy”
Main Characteristics of Naturalism
Nature alone is the entire reality. Naturalism denies the
existence of anything beyond nature. It says no to the
supernatural phenomena.
Naturalism has no belief in spiritual values. Values can
be subjective and relative. They can be created
according to situations, needs, and conditions of life.
They believe scientific knowledge to be of highest worth.
Here society is only an artificial structure. Individuals
alone are real.
It does not have faith in the existence of the soul, God,
and the spiritual world.
It believes only in the existence of the material world,
matter, and nature.
Here senses are considered the natural gateway to
knowledge. Knowledge can be comprehended through
senses.
Forms of Naturalism
(A) Physical Naturalism
Studies the external (B) Mechanical Naturalism
nature Regards man as
It explains human machines
activities and experiences Believes in behavioristic
in terms of material psychology
objects and natural laws. Believes man as well as
Lays more stress on mind is matter
external phenomenon Science is only a
then conscious human dependable form of
beings matter.
Nature has a complete
hold on the life of human
beings.
Forms of Naturalism
(C) Biological naturalism
Based on the notion of evolution.
Darwin believed in the “survival of the fittest” in the
evolution.
Believes that life is ever-changing dynamic and always
developing.
our survival depends on adjustments.
three principles according to biological naturalism are
- Adaptation of environment
- Struggle for existence
- Survival of the fittest
Naturalism in Education
Naturalism has a great impact on theory as
well as the practice of education.
In systems of educations with naturalistic
philosophy, there is no place for classrooms,
textbooks, time-table, formal exams, etc.
It stands against the present system of
teaching.
(A) Main tents of naturalism
Reality and nature are identical. Nature is the ultimate reality of the world.
Have no belief in the spiritual world
Regards scientific knowledge as the highest value.
Values are subjective and relative. One has to live in harmony with nature.
Values are created in terms of the need and purpose of life.
Naturalists are against the complex nature of civilization.
They advocate the inductive method where knowledge is gained through
observation for the acquisition of knowledge.
Knowledge is comprehended through senses.
Laws of nature are unchangeable and the whole universe is governed by
them.
Man is an offspring of nature not a segment of society.
Nature grows and evolves with the passage of time
Laws of nature are unchangeable and the whole universe is governed by
them.
Man is an offspring of nature not a segment of society.
Nature grows and evolves with the passage of time
(B) Important characteristics of
naturalistic education
Believes that education should be in a strict
agreement with the nature of the child.
Regards education as a natural necessity.
Whole of the learning comes from the experience of
the child. An important place is given to the concept
of freedom to live in nature without control.
Advocate school education and is against bookish
knowledge.
Sensors are the gateway to knowledge. The child
should be trained to function his senses effectively.
Believes in progressive education.
Aims of Naturalism in Education
o Self-expression
o Struggle for existence
- Education ensures survival
- Enable children to adjust themselves to the environment
o Development of individuality
- Education should aim to develop the individuality of children
without any interference in society.
o Education for adjustment
- Education helps children in physical and mental adjustment.
- Education is regarded as a process of adjustment to the
environment.
o Education according to the nature of the child.
o Education to achieve present and future happiness.
- Education should help to cultivate self-restraint and values in
children.
o Education should develop the child into a joyous, rational, and
(C) Naturalism and curriculum
Does not believe in a rigid and
fixed curriculum.
Believes in inborn ability and
instincts of the child.
Child learns best in a natural
setting.
(D)
Curriculum
Featuresbased on psychology
of Naturalistic and inborn
Curriculum
instinct of child.
Believes in the study of science subjects. Due
importance is given to mathematics and
languages.
Study of past experiences is given due importance
in the curriculum. This because our present is
defined by our past. They believe that history and
social studies should be included in the curriculum.
Naturalism advocates the inclusion of subjects in
the curriculum that promotes self-preservation.
There is no place for moral religious and spiritual
education.
(E) Methods of Teaching in Naturalism
•It rejects- rigid teaching methods, uniform & traditional
methods of teaching
•It does not favor classroom teaching
•“Give your pupils no verbal lesson, they should be taught by
their experiences alone” is what Rousseau said.
•It lays emphasis on learning by doing
•Naturalists believe that children should be encouraged to
discover things on their own.
•They are advocates of the play-way method of teaching. The
Montessori method is one such method of teaching. Teaching
should be a joyous, creative, and spontaneous activity.
•According to naturalists observation and experiments in the
laboratory should be important factors of teaching methodology.
(F) Naturalism and Teacher
Teacher plays the role of the observer in a
naturalistic education scheme.
Teacher facilitates the learning of the child.
Teachers should be able to understand the
child and help in the growth and
development of the child.
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.
(G) Merits and demerits of Naturalism in education
Merits
It provides presents a refreshing and humanistic
attitude towards teaching and learning.
Here children are treated as equals by adults.
Their personality and individuality is respected.
Discipline comes in the self-imposed form rather
than by constant correction or harsh attitudes by
adult interference.
Children share freedom as well as the
responsibility with adults.
(G) Merits and demerits of Naturalism in education
Demerits
It ignores the spiritual and moral side of human nature.
Its tents are applicable to all the children irrespective of
their individual differences. Sometimes it is not practical
to apply principles of the naturalistic approach to
education in practical situations.
Naturalistic education practices are hard to follow in
urban areas. This is because schools in urban areas are
crowded, noisy, and are located in densely populated
localities.
This approach is not suitable for a vast amount of
learning which is needed in a short span of time.
(H) Conclusion
Philosophy ofof Naturalism
Naturalism in Education
in education has its
own merits and demerits. It provides freedom to the
learner which is unique. This approach has affected
modern education and methods of teaching an
inconsiderable way. It aims to make teaching real,
interesting, and meaningful. It also does good to
society by rejecting superstitions. Regardless of all its
merits there exist certain demerits and some of its
suggestions might not be practical to apply. It tends
to ignore the ideals and purpose of life. It brings
everything to materialism and gives no place to
spiritual values.
RESOURCES
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/
naturalism/
https://slideplayer.com/slide/1304
1692/
