Pragmatism- can we know truth, how do we know it
Epistemology
Social group and social
knowledge Revokes metaphysics
The cave is all we have and we all need to work together to solve problems and make it a better place
Carl sagan- the cosmos is all there is, or was, or ever will be
Known as experimentalism (problems should be solved using the scientific method) or instrumentalism
(john dewey- the world is a material world, no soul, faith helps us solve problems but it does not exist,
they are just tools/ instruments)
The attitude of looking away from first things (metaphysics- purpose being why we are here)
John dewey- father of American philosophy
Chair- use of workability- does it work
Influence on education- progressive movment in 1930’s and 70’s, futurism, critical pedagogy, educational
humanism
Existencialism- axiology, ethics and
esthetic Revokes metaphysics
Emphasizes individual
Everyone determines their own ethics and what is beautiful and pleasing to themselves
Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself, such is the first principle of
existentialism
The chair- not about the chair but the individuals who sit in the chair, can be used however it can,
doesn’t need to be sat on
Commonalities:
Rejection of traditionalism
Lack of absolute
Human centers
Teachers are
guides
Learners are active
Focused on student
interests Hold to relative
truth
Differences:
Pragmatism: authority is found in society with truths coming from society
Existentialism: authority is found within the individual and truths coming from each individual.
