CHAPTER 9: WHAT ARE THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN EDUCATION?

STUDY GUIDE—CHAPTER 9: WHAT ARE THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN EDUCATION?

Name: Mackenna Papst Date: 10/21/12014

1. Define the word philosophy.

Philosophy is made up of two root words"love" (philo) and "wisdom" (sophos). This makes philosophy the love of wisdom. Not everyone loves wisdom the same, but all humans are questioning beings, meaning, seekers of answers.

2. List and define the four branches of philosophical study.

The four branches of philosophical study are metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, and logic. Metaphysics involves the attempt to explain the nature of the real world or the nature of existence. Epistemology deals with questions regarding knowledge and knowing. Axiology focuses on the nature of what we value and how we value it. As humans we naturally search for the correct and most effective way to live. And, logic is the branch of philosophy that deals with reasoning.

3. Compare and contrast inductive and deductive reasoning.

4. List and describe the characteristics of the four educational philosophies described in your text. Be able to recognize examples of each (goals, methods, teacher role, student role, key ideas, and so forth).

5. Describe the fields of aesthetics and ethics.

6. Who is John Dewey, and with which educational philosophy is he most closely associated?

John Dewey is the founder of instrumentalism. He is widely known as the most influential figure in history of American educational thought. Dewey is most associated with the educational philosophy of epistemology.

7. What is an eclectic philosophy, and what are the hazards associated with holding such a position?

Eclecticism embodies the idea that truth can be found anywhere and therefore peoples should select from various doctrines, systems, and sources. There is a problem with inconsistency and many use it as a form of lazy thinking.