Philosophies of Education

The meaning of life is the search for unchanging truth found in the collective wisdom of Western culture

• Metaphysics

• Epistemology

• Axiology

• Logic

The learner starts with experiences and moves to hypotheses

• Metaphysics

• Epistemology

• Axiology

• Logic

Determined by our interaction with our culture and shared values of a community

• Metaphysics

• Epistemology

• Axiology

• Logic

Truth exists in the classics and modern science

• Metaphysics

• Espistemology

• Axiology

• Logic

This approach focuses on concrete instructional methods - no frills

• Perennialism

• Essentialism

• Romanticism

• Progressivism

Learn by doing and by discovering

• Perennialism

• Essentialism

• Romanticism

• Progressivism

Children are naturally good and must be protected from the evils of society.

• Perennialism

• Essentialism

• Romanticism

• Progressivism

For older students, Socratic dialogue is key to uncovering the truth found in classics - such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, Homer, and Julius Caesar

• Perennialism

• Essentialism

• Romanticism

• Progressivism

Teachers are facilitators of learning - they provide resources for student problem solving

• Perennialism

• Essentialism

• Romanticism

• Progressivism

Knowledge is gained through sensory experiences and interaction with one's environment

• Perennialism

• Essentialism

• Romanticism

• Progressivism