PRAGMATISMDewey, James & Peirce

Proponents• Charles Sanders

Peirce– Coined the word

“pragmatism” = Gk. “pragmatikos” or “praktikos” means practical

Proponents• William James

– “Idea must have practical and satisfactory results”

– “Pragmatism is a method of solving or evaluating intellectual problems and a theory about the kinds of knowledge we are capable of acquiring.”

Proponents• John Dewey

–Concept of experience and thinking

– “Experience is not an object known but an ACTION PERFORMED.

Proponents• John Dewey

– Thinking arises as a means of dealing with these disturbing situations by working out hypotheses, or guides to future instructions.

– Believes that if the student learned how to solve, presumably, he would be better fit for living in our ever-changing world with its manifold perplexities.

PragmatismGeneric Notions• Pragmatism is the philosophy that

encourages people to find processes that work in order to achieve their desired ends.

• Reality is that everything changes. (Theme: the world is constantly changing and we have to adapt)

Pragmatism• They study the past but they are generally

more interested in contemporary issues and in discovering solutions to problems in present-day terms.

• They are action-oriented, experientially grounded, and will generally pose questions such as:

Pragmatism

• “ What will work to achieve my desired ends?”

problem speculative thought action results

then Question: “Do the results achieved solve the problem?” Then solution is valid.

Field of PhilosophyPhilosophy of Education

• Metaphysics• Epistemology• Axiology• Educational Implications

Metaphysics

• Studies the nature of reality and being.

• What is real?

Metaphysics

• Reality is the interaction of an individual with environment or experience.

• It is ALWAYS changing.

Epistemology

• Inquires about the nature, presuppositions, scope of knowledge.

• What is true?

Epistemology

• Knowing results from experiencing• Use of scientific method

Axiology

• Studies the nature, status, and types of values.

• What is right?

Axiology

• Values are situational or relative.

Educational Implications

• Organized instruction around problem-solving according to the scientific method.

Pragmatismas Applied in

Education

Goal of Education• Develop and apply practical knowledge

and skills for life in a progressive democratic society.

• Individual growth through processes, experience and problem solving.

Nature of Curriculum

• Child & process - centered

Role of Learners

• Active learning and participation• Problem-solvers• Observe the scientific method• Curious• Critical result & process oriented

Role of Teacher

• Teach inductive and deductive reasoning, the scientific method, and the powers of observation and practice.

• Facilitator/dynamic• Good classroom manager• Result and process-oriented

Method of Teaching

• Hands-on curricula• Group work• Scientific method• Experimental

Subjects Studied

• Emphasis on citizenship, knowledge and skills applicable to daily life and career or job preparation.

Nature of Classroom

• Flexible• Rich in opportunities for students to

experience what they are learning

Source of Knowing

• Challenging EXPERIENCE

Influences on the Present Educational System

• Learning by EXPERIENCE

Thank you & God bless!