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Unit 1: Relation between Education and Philosophy and Philosophy of Education

these objectives. Then we should not wrong in saying that objectives of any society’s education are Notes
based on its philosophy of life. As regards syllabus of education, it is tool to get the objectives. Hence,
it is clear that it is also developed on the basis of metaphysics.
For example, take metaphysics of naturalism and idealism. As per naturalism, this entire universe
is developed by nature and this physical universe created by nature is the truth and there is no
spiritual world. As per it, human too is a natural product, whose objective is to lead a happy
and content life. Hence, it emphasizes on leading a content life with help of education and its
physical and metal growth and being trained in any production work or skill so that he can
take care of his needs of life and lead a happy life. In contrast, idealism considers the creation
of universe by any supreme or spiritual power. As per it, this physical world is mortal i.e., false
and in contrast the cognitive world is immortal i.e., truth. It considers humans as creature with
soul and further considers that objective of human life is to self realization or salvation. Hence,
it stresses on self realization with help of education and also stresses on character, moral and
spiritual development.
2. Epistemology & Ethics and Education—in any philosophy, under epistemology & ethics we do
analyze actual nature of knowledge and methods and tools of attainment of knowledge and the
logical methods of proving authenticity of knowledge. Normally, syllabus and methods and tools
of attaining education are developed on the epistemology and ethics, the type of philosophy is
prevalent in the society.
For example take epistemology and ethics of naturalism and idealism. As per naturalism, this physical
world is truth and knowledge of this world is truth and human being can get the knowledge by his
work and intelligence organs. Hence, it emphasizes on learning by work and intelligence organs. In
contrast, idealism considers knowledge of spiritual world as truth and necessitates on will power
and power of conscience. As per it, for getting any type of knowledge best method is self oriented
method. It also stresses on knowledge of physical world attained by use of organs through logical
testing.
3. Axiology & Ethics and Education—any philosophy’s axiology & ethics mainly depend on its
metaphysics. Under it, analysis of human idols, values and workable and non-workable karmas is
done. Any society arranges for education to let humans have knowledge of these values and idols to
be trained in doing workable karmas. Then it would be correct to say that, objectives of education,
syllabus, nature of discipline & methods of attainment of discipline, duties of teachers and students
& their relations of any society are based on axiology and ethics of philosophy.
For example, consider axiology and ethics of naturalism and idealism. Naturalism does not believe
in any mortal values. As per it, fundamental nature of mankind in pure and pious in itself, society
only pollutes it. Hence, with help of education it should be naturally developed. As per naturalism,

tendency of human is to live independently, hence children should not be confined to any type of
disciplinary framework in education, and they should be given independent opportunities of natural
development. In contrast, idealism believes in immortal values. As per it, humans are born with animal
instinct; it is required to have control on him to get him back on correct path. It supports discipline
in the field of education. It emphasizes on organ control and adherence to values from beginning for

children. Not even this; it also expects teachers to have organ control and adherence to values. As per
it, till the time teachers don’t follow this, we can’t expect adherence from children. It defi nes code of
conduct for both.
If we look at it experimentally, even then philosophy and education have strong relation. They are
dependent on each other. Philosophy analyzes universe and its human life. It also discusses on the
ultimate goals and methods to attain those goal. Now how do we get those objectives, education helps
us in that. Education changes our thought and conduct and empowers us to develop observation,

inspection, meditation and thinking powers for finding new knowledge. On the basis of knowledge
and skills, we rebuild philosophy. New philosophy gives birth to new education and new education
gives birth to new philosophy and thus this cycle keeps going on. To under this interdependence of

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