Philosophy and Its relation with education, Science and religion

COMPREHENSIVE ANNOTATIONS OF EDUCATION FOR B.A (1ST YEAR) By: Showkeen Bilal Ahmad Gul [M.A (Edu.), M.Ed, M.Phil, Ph.D (Submitted), UGC-NET, JK-SET] Author can be mailed at Showkeen.bilal@gmail.com or through facebook Id: Showkeen bilal wani

UNIT-I PHILOSOPHY & EDUCATION Syllabus a) Meaning of Philosophy and Its relation with science & Religion b) Branches of Philosophy - (Epistemology, Axiology, Ontology) c) Meaning of Education & its relationship with philosophy

Q. No.1: Meaning of Philosophy and Its relation with science & Religion.

• What is Philosophy?

Introduction:- Man is always curious to know: his origin, his aim, his relationship with god, his destiny etc. & this constant effort of man to understand reality may be termed as philosophy. It is an attempt to unfold life’s mysteries and find meaning in them. Hence it is called the Mother of all Arts and the Science of all Sciences.

Philosophy has its roots in two Greek words: Philos (love) and Sophia (wisdom).

Etymologically, philosophy means the love or the pursuit of wisdom. It is the organized system of knowledge resulting from the persistent attempt of man’s intellect to understand and describe the world in which we live. It involves an effort to solve fundamental problems, to gain a comprehensive view of the universe, and to find answers to questions on the origin, nature, and destiny of matter, energy, life, mind, good, and evil.

Definitions of philosophy: 1.

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Fichte’s View: “Philosophy as the science of knowledge”.

Coleridge defines philosophy as the “science of sciences”.

Ciscero called it as “the mother of all arts” and “the true medicine of mind”.

Bertrand Ruussell: “philosophy like other studies, aims primarily at knowledge”.

Plato’s View: “Philosophy aims at the knowledge of the eternal, of the essential nature of things”.

In short, we can say that philosophy is a rational approach of answering unsettled questions and redefining various entities of the universe in its own way. It is a body of content which deals with the nature of reality (the metaphysical question); the nature, origin, methods, and limits of human intelligence (the epistemological question), the beliefs about values (the axiological question).

Nature of philosophy:

1. According to Plato, Philosophy finds its origin in wonder or curiosity created in the mind of man (this curiosity motivates him to think in diverse ways).

2. According to Descartes, Philosophy originated from the feeling of scepticism in the mind of man. (Man tries to discover proof to confirm his doubts).

3. Third view is that human mind is restless. It is always active in the search of truth and reality. When man faces miseries or difficulties in this world, he is shaken and he tries to find the ways and means to solve these problems.

4. Philosophy is systematic enquiry about the ultimate reality of the universe.

5. Philosophy is study of general principles & understanding of all that comes in the range of human experience.

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Relationship between Science and Philosophy

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Relationship between Religion and Philosophy

Science and philosophy are inextricably connected. Every science, postulates Thomas (1998), begins as philosophy and ends in art. It arises in a hypothesis and flows into achievement. Philosophy provides to science the consciousness needed to make it useful to humanity. The aim of science is to uncover new facts. The aim of philosophy is to reorganize our prevailing beliefs in such a way as to incorporate those new facts. Both science and philosophy use logic in their critical work of the intellect. Logical reasoning and dialectical clarification of meaning are as necessary to science as to philosophy.

Philosophy and science share certain methods of investigation. Science is far from being self-sufficient with regards to methods, and science certainly is not inherently capable of dealing with the whole range of human experiences.

Philosophy and science are alike in a number of aspects. Both of them are field of inquiry and investigation. Both ask questions and seek to find answer to these questions.

Then both science and philosophy aim at knowledge. But the difference between the two fields of enquiry also is very clear. The difference is in regard to the kind of knowledge which they seek. Science seeks knowledge of facts, whereas, from notable exception of pragmatism and existentialism, philosophy tends to seek ultimate knowledge.

For science the facts are the end product and it through knowledge of facts relating to the world that the scientist tries to aid mankind by providing effective knowledge of facts of life. Philosophy, on the other hand begins its work with these facts.

It makes use of them and is interested in the significance of these facts. A scientist discovers facts while a philosopher seeks their significance in life. So when a scientist, in addition to determining the facts, proceeds to tell people, their meaning for life, he then ceases to be a scientist as is a philosopher as long as he talks of or stays in the realm of interpretation.

Finally difference between science and philosophy lies in their perspectives or outlook. The outlook of scientist is necessary partial but detailed. That is study of science is limited to particular situation that occur in the physical or social environment. It is fractional in outlook but tends to go the minutest detail of the segment. The outlook of philosopher, on the other hand, is comprehensive. He tries to see the world in totality, seeking to reach the ultimate, final and all inclusive meanings.

The word ‘religion’ is made of two terms ‘Re’ and ‘Ligare’, ‘Re’ means ‘again’ and ‘Ligare’ means ‘bind’. Thus in this sense religion means ‘to bind again’. The question

is what it has to bind again? The answer is that it has to bind the creation with creator. It has to bind man again to his origion. Religion cements the bond between man and God. The relation between philosophy and religion is a unique one. There are similarities and mutual interests between the two. There are also differences as well.

However, the objective of both philosophy and religion is the same I,e., discovery of truth and reality, for instances, about self, relation of self and the universe etc. By nature, philosophy will go no further in its assertions than reason will sanction. If a proposition cannot be proved through empirical means or through reason, the philosophers says, ‘we do not know’. Religion on the other hand asserts the priority of faith over reason, ‘we may not know, but we believe’. Religion begins with a faith in a few priori beliefs. These beliefs should not be questioned. Commitment to these beliefs on the part of individual is primary requisite. Thus, faith is the basis of method in religion. But the method of philosophy ia an independent, objective and impartial enquiry. Philosophy is the result of speculation and contemplation. But the religion is based on faith, believes in the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man. This means that man has, the essence of his nature something of divine. Religion as defined by Mc Taggrat is ‘an emtion resting on a conviction of a harmony between ourselves and the universe at large’. It helps us arrive at convictions concerning our relation with one another or what constitutes proper conduct to the one another as well as the Supreme Being.

As everybody needs adequate philosophy of life to seek solution to many problems. In the same way the need for religion is fundamental to man’s nature. Religion is found universally among all human beings. Even the man of science who know most about the universe are often the most religious. They do not fear the forces of our cosmos.

They do look upon with a awe and wonder which does not decrease with increasing knowledge. Many of them believe that man and nature are equally unexplainable without God. Since philosophy and religion are not against each other. Philosophy examines the beliefs and their foundations. It specializes in the field of belief. It tries to find whether the bases of belief are strong, sincere and safe. Philosophers try to inquire and question about the beliefs. His questioning is not biased. He trying to adopt an impartial attitude in discovering the truth.

Q. No. 2: Branches of Philosophy (Epistemology, Axiology, Ontology) • Ontology or Metaphysics: Ontology or metaphysics is the study of what is really real. Metaphysics deals with the so-called first principles of the natural order and "the ultimate generalizations available to the human intellect." Specifically, ontology seeks to indentify and establish the relationships between the categories, if any, of the types of existent things.

The term ‘ontology’ is sometimes used interchangeably with metaphysics. The term ‘ontology’ has been derived from the Greek word ‘Onto’ a form of the verb meaning

‘is or to be’. Ontology studies the question: what does it mean ‘to be’ or ‘to exist’? the distinction between the two terms, metaphysics and ontology is so fine that both are often used by writers when referring to the same area of inquiry.

Thus ontology means the science of abstractions. It studies the nature of ‘being’, ‘existence’ and reality. It is the science of reality, existence, essence of things and is connected with the existence of God. It is an attempt to describe and characterize the reality.

1. What kinds of things exist? Do only particular things exist or do general things also exist? How is existence possible? Questions as to identity and change of objects— are you the same person you were as a baby? as of yesterday? as of a moment ago?

2. How do ideas exist if they have no size, shape, or color? (My idea of the Empire State Building is quite as "small" or as "large" as my idea of a book. I.e., an idea is not extended in space.) What is space? What is time?

3. E.g., Consider the truths of mathematics: in what manner do geometric figures exist? Are points, lines, or planes real or not? Of what are they made?

4. What is spirit? or soul? or matter? space? Are they made up of the same sort of "stuff"?

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When, if ever, are events necessary? Under what conditions are they possible?

Metaphysical Questions Metaphysics is the area of philosophy that deals with the nature of reality. It asks the question, what is ultimately real? Metaphysical questions may be divided into four categories: (1) cosmology, (2) theology, (3) anthropology, (4) ontology.

1. Theology: it deals with nature and existence of God, his wishes and commands, his power and his relation to the universe, especially to humans.

2. Concept of Soul: Here we study the purpose and role of living organisms, existence of soul and its relation to the mortal body.

3. Cosmology: Cosmology deals with the problems pertaining to the natural world in general. It consists of studies and theories about the origin of nature and the development of the universe as an orderly system.

4. Science of creation: How this universe has been created and how will it come to an end etc. are discussed here.

5. Science of universe: It deals with the origin and end of the universe, it mortal and immortal elements and theories explaining to these.

• Epistemology Literal Meaning: Epistemology is derived from two Greek words, ‘Episteme’ and ‘Logy’. ‘Episteme’ means knowledge and ‘Logy’ means study. Thus epistemology means study of knowledge. It is the branch of philosophy concerned with discussion of the problems concerning knowledge.

Epistemology is the study of the nature and scope of knowledge and justified belief. It analyzes the nature of knowledge and how it relates to similar notions such as truth, belief and justification. It also deals with the means of production of knowledge,

as well as skepticism about different knowledge claims. It is essential about issues having to do with the creation and dissemination of knowledge in particular areas of inquiry.

Epistemology asks questions like: "What is knowledge?", "How is knowledge acquired?", "What do people know?", "What are the necessary and sufficient conditions of knowledge?", "What is its structure, and what are its limits?", "What makes justified beliefs justified?", "How we are to understand the concept of justification?", "Is justification internal or external to one's own mind?"

The kind of knowledge usually discussed in Epistemology is propositional knowledge, "knowledge-that" as opposed to "knowledge-how" (for example, the knowledge that "2 + 2 = 4", as opposed to the knowledge of how to go about adding two numbers).

What is Knowledge?

Knowledge is the awareness and understanding of particular aspects of reality. It is the clear, lucid information gained through the process of reason applied to reality. The traditional approach is that knowledge requires three necessary and sufficient conditions, so that knowledge can then be defined as "justified true belief". In the light of various definitions the meaning of knowledge is as under; 1. According to Russel: Knowledge is that which enlightens the human mind.

Enlightenment comes through self-discipline and the practice of morality in every sphere of life. It removes ignorance and superstitions.

2. In the words of William James: Knowledge is another name for practical achievement and success. Knowledge that is practical, active and dynamic is the useful knowledge.

3. Socrates view: Knowledge is the highest virtue.

4. View of Idealists: Knowledge is the knowledge of ideas’. They place more emphasis on the mind (knower) than the object (known).

Sources of Knowledge 1. Revealed Knowledge: Revealed knowledge comes from a divine source. It is that knowledge which God revealed to man. It is difficult to prove or disprove it empirically as it is accepted on faith. This type of knowledge is contained in scriptures like Quran, Guru Grant, Bible, Gita etc.

2. Intuitive knowledge: It maintains that knowledge which is obtained through intuition, inspiration and immediate awareness of truth. It is a kind of knowledge that a person finds within himself in a moment of insight.

3. Authoritative Knowledge: Knowledge that is given to us by experts or specialists. We accept a good deal of knowledge as true, e,g, honesty is the best policy or Tokyo is the capital of Japan etc. these are universal truths accepted by experts.

4. Empirical Knowledge: it is also called knowledge of external world. It is acquired through senses and observations or experiences. It enters our brain or

mind from outside. It does not pre exist in our mind. Experience is the fountain head of empirical knowledge.

5. Rational Knowledge: It is also called indirect or logical knowledge. It is acquired by intellect or reasoning through analysis and synthesis of the perceived data. Reasoning paves the way to rational knowledge.

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Axiology

Literal Meaning: Axiology is derived from the Greek word “Axios” meaning values or worth or theory of values.

The branch of philosophy which deals with nature and classification (kinds or types) of values as well as the standard or criteria for conduct and values judgements. It asks questions like, what are values, on what basis can their worth be judged etc. It has three main divisions; 1. Ethics: It is the normative science of morality and conduct. It is concerned with the conduct of man in the society by demarcating a line between good and bad. The question of why a man should behave in a particular manner is answered here.

2. Aesthetics: It is the study of beauty and art. It is concerned with the problem of beauty. On what criteria and standard beauty or ugliness is judged is the main are of study here.

3. Logic: It determines real nature of a thing and conclusion is drawn through inductive and deductive methods. Imagination and reasoning dominates in this method of enquiry.

What are Values?

Anything which satisfies human desire is called as having value. There are two aspect of anything; one is that which is related to the fact of the object and other to the value of the object. For example, when we say ‘this is a flower’ and ‘this is a cow’. These are statements of facts about flower and cow we see. But when we say ‘this is a beautiful flower’ and ‘this is a good cow’. These two statements refer to the value of the objects on the basis of some criteria. The value is determined by many factors like interest, individual’s effort and its practical utility.

According to D. W. Prall: “value is precisely the term applied in common usage to objects which stand at the outer end of the relation called liking, the inner end of which is a human mind that likes”.

According to Dewey: “values may be connected inherently with liking and yet not with every but only with those which has been approved after examination of the relation upon which the object liked depends”.

We therefore conclude that values are determined by interest or liking on one hand and on the other hand it is also determined by the standard of right and wrong judgement of values which made an object, actions, events etc. employ terms like “good”, “bad”, “right”, “wrong”, “beautiful”, “ugly” and so on are our basic valu terms.

Q. No. 3: Meaning of Education & its relationship with philosophy • Meaning of Education The term ‘Education’ is very comprehensive. Its implications are rich and varied. Its concept is dynamic. Education is related to time and space. It is therefore difficult to give a single meaning or definition of education. However, let us try to understand education in different aspects.

Derivative Meaning of education The term ‘Education’ has a number of derivations. In literary sense, it owes its origion to the following Latin roots 1. ‘Educare’ -‘to bring up’, ‘to raise’, ‘to educate’. It means to bring up a child or nourish himaccording to certain aims or ends in view.

2. ‘Educere’ -‘to lead out’, ‘to draw out’, ‘to bring forth’. It means educating a child in terms of drawing out what is best in him.

3. ‘Educatum’ - ‘to train’, ‘act of teaching or training’. It means training or teaching students, so as to modify their behaviour.

It is a general belief that every individual is born with certain talents, innate tendencies or inherent powers. Education is the process of drawing out these powers and developing them to the full. In the words of J.S.Ross, ‘education consists in leading out the innate knowledge, virtues, and powers of the child, making the potential actual’. Education is thus the development of man from within.

Meaning of Education as Understood by different Thinkers 1. Swami Vivekanand considered Education as, “the manifestation of divine perfection already existing in man”.

2. According to Swami Dayanand, “education is a means for character formation and righteous living”.

3. According to Tagore, “education is that which makes ones life in harmony with all existence”.

4. Mahatma Gandhi defines it as, “by education I mean an all round drawing out of the best in child and man- body, mind and spirit”.

5. According to Plato, “education is the capacity to feel pleasure and pain at the right moment.

6. Aristotle considers education as, “the creation of a sound mind in a sound body”.

In short, education is a process of development from infancy to maturity or it is a lifelong process. It is the strongest instrument for the achievement of the ideals of life and civilized attempt to bring about a balanced and harmonious development of human personality. We can conclude that education is a purposeful and deliberate effort made by the parents or teachers to; a. Develop man in terms of his many sided personality; b. To develop his innate powers; c. To enable him to adjust to his environment according to his benefit;

d. To establish harmony with the things; e. To develop his body, mind and soul; f. To become real man/human being.

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Relationship between philosophy and education

There is a wide and close relationship between education and philosophy. Both philosophy and education are integrally and independently related to each other.

Philosophy is the corner stone of the foundation of education. Education is the application of philosophy.

“A sound philosophy of education is based on an adequate philosophy of life.”

Philosophy is the foundation out of which come the objectives of education. Philosophy and education give and take from each other. They are means to one another, and ends.

The following are a few viewpoints that establish the relationship between philosophy and education: View of Ross: “Philosophy and education are the two sides of the same coin; the former is the contemplative while the latter is the active side”.

View of John Dewey: John Dewey endorses the viewpoint of Ross when he says, “Philosophy is the theory of education in its most general phase”.

Fichte’s view: “The art of education will never attain complete clearness without philosophy”.

Spencer’s view: “True education is practicable to true philosophers”.

Gentile’s view: “Education without philosophy would mean a failure to understand the precise nature of education”.

Education is dependent on philosophy due to following reasons: 1. Philosophy determines the real destination towards which education has to go: Philosophy has always inspired educational theory as well as practice. It determines the real destination towards which education has to go. In the words of Dewey: “Education is laboratory in which philosophic distinctions become concrete, and are tested”. Philosophy is wisdom; education transmits that wisdom from one generation to the other.

2. Philosophy determines the various aspects of education: Every aspect of education has a philosophical base. There is no aspect of education – aims, curriculum, methods, text books, discipline, teacher etc. which is not influenced and determined by philosophy. Height and breadth of education is probed by philosophy. It is philosophy which provides aims to education and these aims determine the curriculum, the methods of teaching, the text books, the role of the teacher and the school discipline.

3. Education is the means to achieve the goals: Philosophy prescribes the goals of the life and education, education is a means to achieve these goals. Philosophy is the theory while education is the practice.

4. Great Philosophers have been great educationists also: Great Philosophers have been great educationists in the East as well in the West. We can find the clearest examples of the dependence of education on philosophy in the lives and teachings of all the great philosophers from Yajnavalka down to Gandhi in the

East and from Socrates down to John Dewey in the West. Philosophers like Gandhi, Tagore, Radhakrishnan, Aurobindo Gosh, Plato, Socrates, Locke, Comenius, Rousseau, Froebel and Dewey have been great educators. They reflected their philosophical views in their educational schemes. Socrates have given the world his “Socratic method” (Method of questioning & crossquestioning) of teaching; Plato, the Republic, the first educational classic.

Rousseau, the great French philosopher, held that education should “follow nature”. John Dewey of America took keen interest in solving the educational problems of his country. Gandhi ji is the father of Basic Education. In the words of Ross “If further agreement is needed to establish the fundamental dependence of education on philosophy, it may be found in the fact that on the whole great philosophers have been great educationists”.

Philosophy is dependent on Education due to following reasons: 1. Education is the dynamic side of philosophy: Education can be defined as the strongest instrument for the achievement of the ideals of life and civilized attempt to bring about the balanced and proper development of human personality. The plant of education draws its nourishment from the soil of philosophy.

In the words of Adams: “Education is the dynamic side of philosophy. It is the active aspect of philosophical belief, the practical means of realizing the ideals of life”. Philosophy is the theory of education while education is practical thereof.

Education is the best means for the propagation of philosophy.

2. Education is the means to achieve the goal: Philosophy deals with the ends and education is the means to achieve those ends. Philosophy gives ideals, values and principles; education works out those ideals, values and principles. In the words of Herbert, “Education has no time to make holiday till all the philosophical questions are once for all cleared up”.

3. Functions of education in the present context: Education by its very nature looks to the future and prepares for it. The role of education is to contribute to the efforts of man and society as they move towards the future. Therefore its main function is to build the society as per man’s aspirations and to develop the kind of manpower that the society needs. Philosophy is a guide to educational practice, education as field of investigation yields certain data as a basis for philosophical judgment.