Realism in Education and Philosophy

Overview

This lecture discusses the philosophy of realism, especially its influence on education, curriculum, teaching methods, and its criticisms.

Realism states that material objects exist independently of human perception.
What we perceive (e.g., a maple tree) exists in concrete reality, not just as a mental concept.
Particulars refer to specific, individual objects located in space and time, like a tree or book.
Universals are properties shared by particulars, such as "whiteness" present in both a book and paper.
Aristotle is credited with establishing realism, arguing that reality exists in the sensible world accessible through experience.

Education aims to prepare students for a successful and happy life.
A realist education seeks to acquaint students with nature and society, develop physical and mental skills, and train the senses.
It focuses on preparing students for real life, understanding the material world through inquiry, transmitting culture, and ensuring survival.
The curriculum prioritizes practical subjects: natural science, physical science, health, math, geography, history, and astronomy.
Teacher training is essential; teachers must understand both content and student psychology, and promote observation and experimentation.
Teachers should focus on imparting scientific facts, discoveries, and research.
Teaching methods prioritize objectivity, letting facts speak for themselves and minimizing teacher subjectivity.
Classroom environments are structured, emphasizing reading, writing, arithmetic, and standardized testing.

Ignores metaphysics and the supernatural, treating them as irrelevant.
Overemphasizes content over methods, leading to rote memorization and neglecting critical thinking.
Lacks a comprehensive educational theory consistent with its philosophy.
Focuses too much on sense experience, risking neglect of students' spiritual needs.
Curricula are often science-dominated, sidelining art and humanistic subjects.
Emphasizes immediate material reality, ignoring spiritual or ultimate realities.
Rejects intuition and meditation as valid sources of knowledge.
Overvalues scientific subjects at the expense of culture, art, religion, and morality.
Disregards eternal values and high life ideals, focusing on practical daily realities only.

Realism — The view that material objects exist independently of perception.
Particulars — Individual, concrete objects in space and time.
Universals — Properties or characteristics shared by various particulars.
Idealism — The belief that reality is primarily mental or spiritual.
Nominalism — The view that universals do not exist independently from particulars.