naturalism in education

LOGO

NATURALISM

NATURALISM

Naturalism is a concept that firmly believes that ultimate reality lies in the nature of the matter.

Matter is considered to be supreme and mind is the functioning of the brain that is made up of matter.

The whole universe is governed by laws of nature and they are changeable.

Contents

Roots of Naturalism1

Life and Works of Philosophers2

Based on the Division of Philosophy3

Strengths & Weakness of Naturalism5

Naturalism in Education4

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1. Roots of Naturalism

The oldest philosophy Ionian pre-Socratic philosophers

Thales in 6th century B.C . - father of science

These early philosophers subscribed to principles of empirical investigation that strikingly anticipate naturalism.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Socratic_philosophy

Genevan philosopher, writer, andcomposer,leader of the Naturalistic Movement,French Revolution, development of modern political and educational thought.

English philosopher, scientist, and historian, one of the founders of modern political philosophy and political science

English philosopher, biologist, anthropologist, sociologist, and prominent classical liberal political theorist

2. Life & Works of Philosophers

Thomas Hobbes

JeanJacques

RousseauHerbert Spencer

(1588 –1679) (1712 –1778) (1820 –1903)

3. Based on Division of Philosophy

Metaphysics

Epistemology

Axiology

NATURALISM

Naturalism based on Metaphysics

A worldview which holds that there is nothing but natural elements, principles, and relations of the kind studied by the natural sciences

deals with existence

rejects the supernatural concepts and explanations


Naturalism based on Epistemology

According to naturalism, reality and nature are identical and beyond nature there is no reality.

Then how this theory of reality can be proved true?

This leads us to the naturalist theory of knowledge ; by perception, sensory knowledge, observation.


Naturalism based on Axiology

Life’s values Two general principles

i. General character of values embedded in nature

ii. The most desirable values realised in proportion to our harmonizing life with nature Greatest peace ; Pleasure and Satisfaction


4. Naturalism in Education

Aims Curriculum

Teacher Learner

Naturalistic Education

Learner

Individual is to be given unrestricted freedom and only then his harmonious development will take place.

The checks on the child are also to be natural.

The naturalists advocate discipline by natural consequences.

A danger that the child may harm himself and cause worry to the parents.


Teacher

Extreme naturalists ignore teacher; because teacher will interfere with the development of a child.

If the teacher is to be there, let him design situations which help in the inculcation of right type of habits in the children.

As a director of activity, the teacher should not overdo his role or overact his role.


Curriculum

Child centered according to the present and future needs of the child

Curriculum divided under two stages i. Earlier stage : Sensory training ii. Later stage : Subjects are include in the curriculum through activities and occupations like physical sciences, language, mathematics, manual work, trade, moral education, etc.


Aims Rousseau says that . . .

education aims at the inner faculties, capacities and powers of the child

aim of education is not preparation for life, but participation in it

Each stage through which a child passes has a specific aim of education



1st

to gain knowledge and all the wants and needs of a child are to be fulfilled

2ndto provide the child with the strength that the child lacks of the ability of being free

3rd

to enable the child to acquire useful knowledge which would satisfy the child’s wants

Aims Stage

StageStage


1st Stage

2nd Stage

3rd Stage

The aim of education is to develop the child emotionally and morally according to the child’s needs.

Strengths Clear formation of the psychological and

scientific conception of education Freedom for child from tyranny and

rigidity, interference and strict discipline Spontaneous self-activity of the child new psychological methods in

educations

5. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths Self-expression, follow nature, auto

education, plays way, self-discipline and non-interference, etc.

The great strength of Naturalism is its simplicity. It does not complicate the perception of existence by using abstract concepts.


Weaknesses It is based on one- sided psychology.

Irrespective of their individual differences, capacities and temperament

Direct experiences cannot be provided all the time; expensive and something impossible

It gives no place to the spiritual values.


Weaknesses Some of the principles envisaged by

naturalism are not possible to be practiced in the existing situations.

Ross rightly opines ‘it is in educational ideals, not in methods that naturalism fails to satisfy.’
