Practical Application of Pragmatism - Essay Example

Pragmatism Scholars who believed in the practical application of ideas, contributed to the development of pragmatism theory. Scholars such as Charles Pierce, John Dowey and William James were the main developers of this theory in the twentieth century. The theory emphasizes on the practical application of ideas, and provides a way testing them in the real human experience. Pragmatism argues that truth is tentative assertion based on human experience (Gutek 75). For instance, Dowey argued that human beings use their social intelligence to solve their problems in scientific and experimental method. As such, education mainly focuses on developing this form of intelligence among the students, helping them make the most informed decisions. Subsequently, the theory focuses on an individual’s psychological and intellectual development. An individual undergoes through a continuous developmental process through experiences and personality development (Gutek 89). Through instrumentalism, students learn the use of tools and equipment used in real life. Such is the role played by the use of experiments ion the teaching of students, as demonstrated by Charles Pierce. Experiments are a representation of the actual reality of what students learn in the class. Pragmatism gives me an insight into the role played by experiments and role-playing in the learning process. While in reality most of the lessons focus on classroom learning, the biggest danger of this is semi-baked graduates facing the real problem. Such students may find it hard dealing with the real situations, especially due to the fact that they have never faced such issues ever in their lives. However, with a model representative of the reality, graduates have an idea of what to expect in future. This is one of the most effective ways of teaching, with its guarantee of well-trained graduates. While explaining this theory to another person, I would define pragmatism as that method of training that includes the use of experiments, assimilation models and many practical lessons. Idealism According to the developers of the idealism theory, only ideas can effectively endure. Developers of this theory try to separate mental and material realms of the learning process. According to Plato, the government plays a very significant role in the education sector. These universal truths promote a dialectic approach, creating a channel for reflection among the students. Aristotle on the other hand held that for matter to exist there must be form. Since science and philosophy compliments each other, the study of matter leads to an understanding of deeper form. Nothing exists without a purpose, according to Aristotle. In the learning process, the body and soul engage in a conflicting argument, necessitating the striking of a balance between the body and the soul. Through education therefore, we are in a position of striking a balance between the body and the soul. The theory has a number of assertions aimed at the learning process. Among these, include the application of reasoning in search for the truth, the use of science and art in higher thinking and reasoning, and the realization of the ultimate goal of education after the end of the learning process. The main function of education is to enable a sense of duty, willpower and loyalty. From the lessons learnt in the assertions contained in this theory, education should aim at meeting its objective and goal, which is individual development. While personal development is one of these forms of development, it should do so both socially and psychologically. As students graduate from the school, they should realize their self-worth, and hold a position that they can defend themselves as professionals. Art and science plays a very significant role in the professional lives of students, especially in shaping their careers and lifestyles. Ideally, the learning process should focus on developing an individual wholly and stimulate the reasoning a student, whether ion class or in the field. Realism Proponents of the theory of realism advocate for independence in the learning environment, and in life after school. In reality, this independence arises from reality, value existence and knowledge acquisition. All these contribute to the independence of the human mind, one of the most significant elements of human development. Two forms of reality exist in this theory; a secular and a spiritual/religious reality. Scientific inquiry, which leads to philosophical inquiry, gives rise to secular reality. On the other hand, the transcendence beyond any form of matter culminates into a religious form of reality. In reality, the study of science and the use of scientific methods contribute to secular realism. These theorists argue that the primary aim of education is self-prevention from any form of danger. Increased study of science and the embrace of scientific methods have contributed to the advancement of science and technology. The theory agrees that education should focus in developing a student’s capacity to full range reasoning capacity. Personally, I believe that this theory justifies science more than it does spirituality. Of all discoveries ever made, none is accidental. The world largely depends on science, a reason why the theory emphasis on secular realism. The teacher plays a very important role in the student’s learning process, especially by giving notes and issuing instructions to the students. However, no scientific method is complete without the inclusion of experiments and observation. This theory generally points on the importance of science in the learning process. While explaining to another person, I would make an emphasis on the concentration of the theory on scientific realism at the expense of the spiritual reality. Reconstructivism Proponents of this theory argue that societies need to undergo a continuous metamorphic change, in a continuous reformation process in order to achieve perfection in its governance. The main emphasis of this theory is changing for the better. It explains a perspective explaining the construction of knowledge in the human being. This happens whenever information encounters the information developed through experiences. The theory has roots in cognitive psychology and biology. However, it borrows extensively from the educational approach, on the procedure and emphasis of knowledge creation. Philosophers argue that education is the key to a new and better society. While some of the theorists showed increased levels of concern on the contribution of education in the development of Christianity, for instance Augustine, Robert and Edward were concerned with the contribution of education on industrial revolution. Education plays a big role in transmitting culture, modifying culture and education as a source of social change. Education offers solutions to political change and addressing contemporary issues in the society. According to this theory, education is one of the biggest contributors to the development of the society. As the world keeps improving in the quality of education, the society has the potential of changing to a better society through these developmental stages. Educational advancement contributes to cultural development and diversification. As people advance educationally, their lifestyles keep changing. This is due to changes in tastes and preferences. This is the theory that seeks to improve the lives of the people by advocating for improved lifestyles and living conditions of the learned people. Works Cited Gutek, Gerald L. New Perspectives on Philosophy and Education. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson, 2009. Print. Read More