Unit-3 (C)Concept of social change and factors affecting social change (with main focus on education an agent)
Change is continuous and constant in everybody’s life. Every day comes with a change or every moment arrives with a change which is new for all the same as in society change is continuous and constant. and this change is known as social change because this change is social in nature that it means it occurs in society. E.g. change in people’s life-style, change in their behavior, attitude, way of living life, in their culture, tradition, values, set norms etc….So social change is the variation and modification in any aspect of social process, pattern of form.
Definitions-
1] “The basic fact of today is a tremendous phase of change in human life”
- Pandit Jawaharlal nehru
Here pandit Nehru is talking about change in human life. He tries to point out the necessity of change by using the word tremendous and he put emphasis on change must be needed in human life so that an individual / a human being can accept a change as a challenge in his life and he must learn how to cop up with change occur in his life and for this he must be flexible change in an individual’s life is a change in society because he is a part of society and the change occurs in his life would be a social change.
2] “Change in the social structure is social change”
- Maciver and Page
Maciver and Page point out change occurs in social structure. Change in social structure includes change in social rules and regulation, Social values, social organization, social beliefs, way of thinking of social beings etc. And if change occurs in all these then it becomes a social change. So according to Maciver and page social change is a change in social structure which changes the whole society.
3] “Social change is a term used to describe variations or modifications of any aspects of social processes, social patterns, social interaction or social organization”
- Sir James
Sir James is of the opinion that social change is nothing but change in social processes including rules and regulation, social values, social systems etc…..Change in social pattern that means a change in social structure which is based on social norms, values, traditions, culture etc. Change in social interaction that means change in social relations – a way of interaction –one person to another and finally change in social organization that means change in social institution, so social change describes variations in terms of social processes, social patterns, social interaction or social organization.
4] “Social change means that large number of persons are engaged in activities that differ from those in which they or their immediate forefathers engaged in sometime before”
- Merr and Eldredge
Merr and Eldredge put emphasis on social change as a continuous process which run from the existence of man to the present time and it will be run by future generation that means social change is dynamic and inevitable.
5] Johnson covers five kinds of changes under social change.
- Change in social values
- Instituonal change
- Change in distribution of possessions and rewards
- Change in personnel
- Change in abilities or attitudes of personnel.
That means social changes affect a wide range of individual experience and functional aspects of society.
Characteristics of social change
1] Social change is continuous and dynamic. As change occurs in everything, social change is inevitable. It is continuous since the existence of earth or animate things/people in society.
2] Social change occurs in everything and it involves all people,in all places and at all times which may be harmful or fruitful for all so social change is universal.
3] Social change is inevitable and it occurs in everywhere In order to cop-up with new changes or in order to bring novelty in society social change must be needed so so social change is compulsory. We cannot ignore changes that take place in society.
4] Social change is planned change because in order to uplift the society social change must be needed so people plan out many things to bring social changes in society for the development of society. eg Implementation of the five years plans in our country and other development schemes and programmes for fulfilling needs of people. Social change is also considered as unplanned change because society is affected by external and internal forces that means society is influenced by the needs of people ,their life style, norms etc…… so changes occurs in society become unplanned changes which are affected by people and their way of living .eg, Social changes is influenced by natural calamities fashions in society etc…So, social change is both planned and unplanned.5] Social change is purposive that means people brings change in society intentionally.eg In our country in order to make others aware about harmful diseases ie.AI9DS,T.B,CANCER ETC.and for ht e village and community development people meet together and plan out some schemes or programmes which bring social change. That is why social change is purposive.
Factors responsible for social change
Social changes are caused by several factors including war, flood. Earthquake, population, education environment man himself etc.Following are the factors which describes how they influence social change
1] Demographic factors
Due to natural calamities ,war ,diseases and environmental changes we can find imbalance ratio of males and females in population which directly affect social changes because if the ratio of males and females is changed then many males and females will remain unmarried.so this change changes social structure therefore we can find the expansion in crimes and change in people’s life .eg large numbers of young male soldiers died in Europe during World war 2 so the number of girls and women increased over the existing numbers of males and this lead to moral deterioration and sexual permissiveness throught the Europe. Another example is the current raio of males and females in India which affect our society. And this unbalanced ratio also affects the economic factor of the nation. Because of climatic changes we can also find imbalance in the ratio of males and females which definitely affect social changes occur in the present society.
2] Political factors
Society is based on rules and regulations ,customs which are built or prepared by govt. so politics affects the society.Govt.is made of different kinds of people who are educated or uneducated but the ultimate aim o f them as upliftment of society. So these political leaders are products of society. As any political party or person change something in state or contributes in changing in something in society which definitely brings a social change.eg The impact of World War-2, Rule of Nazi dictator Hitler in germany , partitions of India in 1947 have brought about several social changes in the respective societies. So, we can also say that man himself brings social change because he is a social being or a part of society. And in a way education plays an important role behind an individual and politics and it also brings social changes.
3] Economic Factors
As the condition of an individual affects the society the same as everybody’s economy affect challenges. The stratification of people in different class moulds the nature of society and as per their educational qualification they live together behave and they make them socially aware and earn money which help society the same as their economy influences social changes including changes in their way of living ,way of interaction ,culture ,routine life, languages etcThe best example is the emergence of English in middle class society. People’s invention, discoveries and their migration lead changes in economy likewise they bring social change in society. Like poverty, the gren revolution and large amount of money earned by Indians from abroad certainly bring a lot of social change in their behavior, relations, spending patterns, intuitions and outlook of the world.
4] Industrial factors
Like establishment of industrial township ,urbanization and trade unionism are responsible for several kinds of social changes the lives of people concerned we can find the impact of liberalization ,privatization and globalization after the establishment of industrialization in most of the countries in the world and such factors influences the economy of the country which lead change in per capita income and all these affect social changes.
5] Scientific Technological Inventions and Discoveries
As we know the impact of scientific technological inventions and discoveries in the societies. Today in the world of technology none of us live without using mobiles, phones, computers, electricity, radio, t.v, etc…
And these inventions and discoveries have completely changed our style of living , modes of thinking social relations and even morals. Behind these inventions and discoverious, human beings intellect, creativity and their aspiration play very significant role so we can say men’ desire of striving for excellence, creativity, education bring social changes. such scientific development leads social changes.
6] Social and cultural factors
Every individuals culture, social beliefs, value system, social rules and regulations etc. lead social changes.like fashions ,womens’sliberation movement and satyagrahas definetly cause lot immense of social change in diverse directions.
According to prof. premnath following are the factors responsible for social changes
1] Geographical factors – natural disaster – migration of people
2] Environmental factor
3] Population demographic factor
4] War
5] Psychological sociological factors - man , Education, , striving for excellence ,creativity
6] Technological factors – inventions, Discoveries
7] Ideological factors culture, man
8] Economic factors
9] Biological factors – man
Technological factors
The technological sfactors have immense influence in social change.
The form of society is undergoing change as a result of the development and invention of electric, steam and petrol driven mechanism for production , the means of transport and communication and various mechanism appliances in everyday life. This advancement in terms of technology affects even institutions like family and a marriage
Biological factor
Biological factor too have some indirect influence upon social change. Among the sociological factors in the qualitative aspect of the population related to heredity. The qualitative aspect of the population is based upon powerful and great men and mutation. Hence, biological factor plays a part in social change to extent .In addition to this , the bioplogical principles of natural selection and struggle for survival are constantly produsing alterations in society.
Environmental Factor
Due to floods, earthquake, excessive rain, drought, change of season etc….We can find imba;lance in population which directly Affects the social relationship and these are modified by such natural occurrences. If we think about a person or an individual who is growing under the roof of a particular society and he lives among different kinds of people. So, the environment of society affects himself and as we know that an individual is a part of society who brings social change. Thus environment factor bring social change.
Psychological Factor
The cause of social change is the psychology of man himself. Man is by nature a lover of change. He is always trying tto discover discover new things in every sphere of his life and is always anxious for novel experiences. As a result of this tendensy traditions, customs, etc..of every human society are perpetually undergoing change.A human being is able to apply new customs and methods to replace the old traditional customs are being formed.Change is the law of life .when change do not occure at the appropriate time, revolutions take place, wars are fought , epidemics{situations in which a large number of people have caught the same infections diseases} spread and changes are violently introduced.
Unit 4 E Education as a change, agent/catalyst
Education as a co-operative force in social change or as a tool or as a catalyst or as an agent for social change.
Education plays very important roles to bring social change in society /nation. It plays different kinds of roles such as an co-operative force in social change, as an agent of social change in society and as a tool of social change. Let’s discuss the functions of education in the sphere of social change which are as follows
1] Assistance in adopting social change
We all familiar with the process of teaching and learning ie.. Education which makes aware an educand about occurring social changes. It helps an educand to know which are the social changes are fruitful for him and which are detrimental that means education brings awreness in society. It educates people all about everything and prepares everybody as social beings and this helps them to adopt social changes in their society.
It is the aim of education to make all good changes easily accessible to every person. In India, a large majority pf people found it difficult to reconcile themselves to the changes that occurred in the institutions of family and marriage, but the educated majority soon realized the advantages of there changes. Later on as education spread to other sections of society, the importance and value of these changes come to be recognized more universally. Hence it is now generally accepted that before bringing about any social change in society, it is necessary to create a receptive temper of mind among the people. Thus education plays a supportive role to adopt social changes.
2] Overcoming resistance to change
Due to orthodox nature, blind faith and prejudices people resists changes in society or community. eg. Many societies have have been living the same way and they have the same dowry system in marriage institution, different kinds of rigid sanskaras which resist them to live freely and stop their development or to change their culture because they believe in what their fore father said. Education abolishes such orthodoxy, rigidness in the society. Through the medium of Education, the importance of social change is convincingly explained to the people so that they overcome such résistance to change and thus they remove orthodoxy, rigidness lied in the society.
3] Analysis of change
Progress occurs only when the change leads the society to more desirable social values/ and for this analysis and criticism of social change is essential. Only the educated individual can make valid criticism and offer constructive suggestions, because it is education which invest the individual with the capacity to use his intelligence to distinguish between right and wrong and to establish certain ideals .Education determines the values which act as a criterion for the analysis of social change and desirable social changes encourage .In every society, this is achieved only through the effects
4] Emergence of new change
As we know education educates an individual to face the challenges in his life as well as he is acquainted with the social change occurred in the society. So he will be able to change traditional way of life style ,blind faith ,prejudices among different kinds of people. So an educand brings new changes in the society. eg. the status of women in Indian society The abolition of many social evils sucgh as child marriage, unequal rights of women etc….Only educated people can change the public opinion. Hence it is the educated classs in every society which initiates, guides and controls movements for social reforms emerges new changes in the society.
5] Transmission of culture
Through its function of transmission of national culture from generation to generation as a continuous process, education tends stability and continuity to the society. Not only this, education prepares society to as adopt needed and desirable social reforms. In this sense education is the creator generator and director of all social changes. In short education is a conservative consolidating and stabilizing force and in addition it is a creative force as well.
6] Advances in the sphere of knowledge
New researches and inventions all depend upon education, because only the educated individual can search for new things in every sphere. Only such people can help in the progress of non –material culture. Fresh discoveries in the sphere of the knowledge provide the right basis for criticism of society. Then the need for change becomes apparent .Thus education contributes to social change by bringing changes in the knowledge.
7] Leadership in social change
Education creates a consciousness of social change as well as it teaches people all to distinguish between the good and the bad and thus education develops all the qualities of a leader in everybody. Education makes an individual an initiative to cop up with changes occur in society and develops himself from all the corners/angles so that he brings social change.
These are the functions of education in the sphere of social change through which we can decide the nature of education defective education leads to defective social changes so education is a tool of social changes. It is an agent of social changes it brings social changes so it is a catalyst tool, who create future generation of critics of change and leader of reform.
Unit – 3 C Continue - Education for social change
We know the necessity of education in the present modern World .Due to modern science new researchers and techniques, revolutionary changes are ocuuring in all fields of human activities. Education imparts the knowledge of these latest developments to the individuals and provides adequate inspiration for their use in which I n turn bring about the creation of new ideals values and goals which society gradually adopts. So education is for social change According to Ottaway- “Education brings about social changes of very important nature.”
We can justify education for social change on the basis of following reasons.
1] Need/demand of the hour
In the present swift changing World an individual must be educated individual only then and then he can cop up with the step changes occurring in the present world. Due to researches ,new invention and technology today our lives are full fledged with challenges and in order to face challenges occurring in the World of science and technology have been bringing changes in our day to day lives and only education can help us top live with the arrival of challenges in our lives. It is the education through which we can update or develop ourselves. So education is the need of the hour.
2] Requirement of training
In order to bring awareness in oneself one must have training or practice which is only provided by Education. Education trains an educand and prepares him a tough trainee on the basis of which he can cop-up with the challenges inherent in life. Through training one can develop him. And as we know Education is for all around development of a child so that he can develop his cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills, and live peacefully with honour. Education provides training / practice to an individual and makes him who brings change, transforms change one generation to other generations. So, in a way education brings social change by giving training to n individual.
3] Identifying changes /problems
In order to understand or identify the nature of social change or any problem existed in one’s life, one must educate himself. Through education he can decide the nature of social change what is right and wrong? Or he can analyze social change .So education must needed in the world of science and technology to develop identify changes occurring in the present world and problems as well.
4] Change of life style/value system
Everyone has a particular life style and value system but if he lives on the basis of traditional culture and way of thinking he may fail to face the challenges occurring in the world. So he has to change in life style and value system and for him he must educate himself or he has top take education because education is a system which makes an individual aware about his goal/aim and how can he reach to his goal. So education provides an exposure to an individual to flourish and he can redefine changes which exist in life.
5] Creating balanced individual and society
Due to modern swift changes, one must be balanced individual in balanced society. There is only a source which invests balanced individual .i.e.education. Education makes an individual a productive citizen and balanced social beings that brings social change.
6] Equipping the individual for facing the challenges
With the help of education an educand develops himself. He can empower himself with different values, way of thinking and new perception only through education and only then and then he can keep pace with challenges or changes occurring in the present world. e.g.computer. In order to be computer literate. One must take computer education and than he can make his life as faster as computer.
Above all reasons are depend on education and there are the reasons derived from present modern social change. Hence, education is a means to continuity as well as to change and progress. On the one hand, it is influenced by social changes but on the other it must keep a level amid chaos and guide future emancipation.
Unit-3 (D) Indian Culture: Characteristics
Definitions and concept of Culture
1 “Culture implies man’s moral ,spiritual and intellectual achievements”
- Sorokin and Maciver
l Explanation:-Here they define culture as an amalgam of man’s moral, spiritual and intellectual behavior as well as their achievements.
2. ‘Culture is that complex whole that consists of everything we think, do and have as members of society”
- Bierstedt
n Explanation: Bierstedt is of the opinion that culture is nothing but what we think, do as members of society that means what we think and do as social beings, it becomes culture.
3. “culture is the expression of our nature in our mode of living and thinking in our everyday intercourse in art, in literature, in religion, in reactions and enjoyments”
- Maciver
n Explanation: According to maciver culture is the way of life which consists of the customs and beliefs, art ,way of life and social organization of particular country or group. It is reflection such things through which we can identify the culture of any group.
4. “Culture is the foundation, the primary thing. It should show itself in smallest detail of your conduct and personal behavior - Gandhiji
Explanation: Gandhiji considers culture as the primary thing which present minor detail of our conduct and personal behavior that means it identifies our way of life in a broader sense.
5.“Culture is the widening of the mind and the spirit” --Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation:- In the words of Nehruji culture presents the thinking and philosophy of people. In a broder sense culture depends on people’s way of thinking and their behavior. Here the word ‘spirit’ suggests that the valuable culture of Indian society self –actualization which express through culture of Indian society likewise every country or nation has particular culture which reveals the way of thinking of people and their interaction with won soul.
Kinds/ types of culture
Culture is classified on the basis of the subject and contents that means there are mainly two classification.
1 subject-based classification
2 Content-based classification
1 subject-based classification
l Individual culture
l Communal culture
l National culture
l World culture
2 Content-based classification
l Material culture
l Non-material culture
Characteristics of culture
The following are the characteristics of culture
1] Acquired traits
Culture is the sum total of acquired qualities /characteristics traits].The new born baby is devoid of any traits. As he grows older, he acquires different ideals, attitudes and values by imitation and social contracts. These experiences contribute to the formation of his personal culture.
2] Distinct entity
A thing which exists independently
Different societies of the world have their mown distinct/definite cultural patterns which establish the different identifies of different nations. And culture is nothing but the expression of distinct cultural patterns of societies.
3] Transmission
Cultural traits and patterns are transmitted from generation to generation. Every generation is free to modify the cultural heritage and then transmits it to the next generation. Thus culture is affected by the trends which appear from time to time according to different circumstances and conditions. In short, transmission is a continuing process.
4] Utility
A culture is good if it has some utility to the individual as well as to the society. Individual adopt different opinions ideas, way of life from different culture with which they are living.
Every individual has his own way of thinking as snobs which directly affect their culture. Thus people modify their culture and then transmit it top the next generation. They accept culture of different people such as happen in our Indian society. This vitality and welcoming attitude can promote the development of world culture which leads to the international brotherhood. This is the utility of culture.
5] Dynamism
Culture is not static but dynamic In other words, it changes and grows. Due to rapid rise in the means of transport and communication a culture invades the other culture. It penetrates, inter penetrates, changes and grows. That is why, our modern Indian culture is not that old culture which guided the nation of the world in the past. One can notice the fast changing pattern of our cultural belief, ideals, values, modes of thinking and behavior. The different culture of the world is interacting with one another and thus a synthesis of culture is going on in this modern world. So, culture is abstract, indefinite in terms of the components values, behavior tradition and life styles. Etc….
New point
Diference between culture and civilization
Civilization is a term which includes a society, its culture and its way of life during a particular period of time or in a particular part of the world. It is broader than culture .Culture is the combination of way of life, custom and beliefs, art and social organization of a particular group. Culture is a part of civilization .IT is a narrow term.
Sr. no
|
Culture
|
Civilization
|
1
|
It’s an abstract, invisible
|
It’s a concrete, visible
|
2
|
It touches to the cognitive/mental aspects
|
It touches to the economical and physical aspects
|
3
|
It can’t be measured
|
It can be measured
|
4
|
Less dynamic
|
More dynamic
|
5
|
It cannot be given to others
|
It can be given to others
|
6
|
Culture is different from place to place in the entire World
|
One civilization can be possible in the entire World
|
7
|
Culture cannot be a medium for civilization
|
Civilization can become a medium for culture
|
8
|
Culture is higher than civilization
|
Civilization is providing one type of atmosphere for culture
|
9
|
Men’s control over internal virtues is called culture
|
Men’s victory over nature is called civilization
|
10
|
Culture is almost inflexible
|
Attitude of civilization is to measure
|
Maciver said “Our culture is what we are and our civilization is what we use”
New point : characteristics of Indian culture
1] Ancient culture:
Indian culture is an ancient culture. In the present ultra modern world we still find the ancient rootness of Indian culture. In the ancient era, there were highly respectful people living together. Sanskrit literature is the witness our Indian culture. People were lived in joint family. In the education system there was guru – shishya -parampara , agrarian socio economic structure of the society, caste marriage, the ultimate aim of all was self realization etc…influenced every era of Indian society as satya yug has been affected kalyug. The rules and regulation of ancient society, social beliefs, superstitions, family structure, spirituality etc..We can find in the present world up to some extent. The present world is affected by the ancient culture that means our culture is based on past culture. No doubt because of modern science, influence of different countries today we are living something different than the previous but everything of our Indian society. Do not change still we can find in some families people are sit together , eat together and under one roof , the aim of self realization is there , marriage takes place in caste , students have respect for their teachers, and so they choose them as their role models etc..this suggest the influence of Ancient Indian culture.
2] Indian culture is diverse in nature.
We can find diversity in every aspects of Indian society is that the slogan Unity in diversity is given to Indian society. There has been different societies, different caste, system, languages, cultures, religions observed in our Indian society.
Therefore we can say that Indian society is an ambivalent culture which consists of multi religious, multi cultural, multi lilngual people.
3] Indian culture is easily influenced culture
As we know ancient Vedas, shastra, upanishadas, scriptures influenced our present world. Although indian society is multi cultural and multi religious. People are living together with peace and harmony .Indian culture is easily influenced by all the religions and different culture of the nations. eg. It is easily influenced by the Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism etc.. and each religion has its own philosophy though all are living together with as sense of Indianness. Today the impact of westernization some what change. You can see in Indian culture but it does not loose it essence.
4] Indian culture is philosophical in terms of ancient literature of Vedas, scriptures, Upanishads etc.. People still believe in law of karma. The ultimate aim of self realization. They also believe in metaphysics, Epistemology and Axiology. The main three pillars of philosophy. So Indian culture is philosophical which has been researched by foreigners.
5] Democratic Indian culture
Indian culture still gives importance to individual’s development and his freedom so that freedom and full development of all individuals are valued most. One and all are allowed full opportunities to develop their individuality to the fullest extent. For this each individual s provided education according to his needs, nature, and requirements. Nothing is forced from outside and nothing is imposed by virtue of any authority. Thus Indian society strongly believes in equality, fraternity, liberty and justice. These are the four pillars of democracy. All are promoted the sense of participation of various levels. To sum up democracy and secularism are the two main characteristics of Indian society.
6] Inclusive Indian culture
Indian culture is an inclusive culture wherein a wide range of people things, ideas etc..are included. That means Indian culture is an amalgam of almost 2 states .Each one has its own importance. They are varied in terms of language and culture of people .Thus, Indian culture is inclusive Indian culture.
Unit-1Sub point –[A] Education and Philosophy
What is Philosophy?
In simple words, Philosophy is a way of life. It is an attitude towards life. Every Human being has a philosophy of his own whether it is good or bad .It does not matter that someone thinks in bad way and he has negative point of view that is his philosophy. From our birth we learn what is right and what is wrong and when we have our own view about correct and false but we don’t know that this would be considered as a philosophy of ours. A man starts/begins his learning from his birth and it ends at his death and in between these starting point to the goal he has his own attitude towards life and he passes his journey of life through his attitude, thinking and sense of judgment What is this? This is philosophy of his towards life.
The word ‘philosophy’ is derived from two Greek words- Philos’ and ‘sophia’ Where philos means ‘love’ and Sophia means ‘wisdom’. Thus philosophy means love of wisdom.
We all know what wisdom is. It means the knowledge that a society or culture has gained over a long period of time. As above Mentioned philosophy means love of wisdom- this suggests philosophy is a science through which we see or receive the knowledge of reality.
According to Dr. Radhakrishnan “Philosophy is a logical enquiry in to the nature of reality”
This means philosophy is an investigation or probing to know what is wrong –and what is right-the real thing but it is rational probing in the world that exist around us.
J.Raymant “Philosophy is an unceasing effort to discern the general truth that lies behind appearance”
Here j. Rayment is of the opinion that philosophy is the endless effort to be aware of or to recognize the truth which hides behind reality or in other words we can say it is a continuous process to find out the truth is science of value par excellence.
According to Immanuel Kant, the German philosopher-“Philosophy is the science and criticism of cognition” And in the words of B. Russel, The truth philosopher –“Philosophy is like all other studies aims primarily at knowledge”
These means that philosophy is deals with Being as much as with becoming. Thus it includes science within its ken. Man experiences eternity as well as change. Philosophy is an explanation of the total experience of man, seeks the integral truth i.e. knowledge. It should widen its field to include all types of experience, religious, moral, scientific, spiritual etc. It is also said that ”A true philosophy is an” aspirate de ensemble’, a synoptic vision of reality. It is the intellectual search for the fundamental truth for things.”
All there mean that philosophy is abstract difficult discipline. It has its own vocabulary. It provides means to lead a kind of life.
“Science is what you know, philosophy is what you don’t know” - Bertrand Russell
“Philosophy as rightly defined is nothing but the love of wisdom” -Cicero
“Some would reject every philosophy, but that rejection is itself a philosophy” - V. Samuel
“Whence?, whether?, why? and How? These questions cover all philosophy.” -Joseph Joubert
“Higher education results in philosophy and philosophy is a guide to action”. – S. Radhakrishnan
‘Philosophy asks the simple question: What is it all about? - A. N. Whitehead
“Philosophy is an art of living” - Plutarch
”Philosophy: a route of many roads leading from nowhere to nothing” ----Bierce
What is Education:-
We all know what is education? In simple words, it is a process of teaching, training and learning especially in schools or colleges, to improve knowledge and develop skills. It has been taken from the word educare – which means to bring up or to draw out respectively. It can be defined as the instrument for developing the best in man. It is also a socially approved activity which helps a person to grow and develop to the fullest.
Rig Veda defines “Education is something that makes a man self-reliant and selfless.” That means education is a continuous process which moulds every human being and makes them self reliant. According to Aristotle- “education is the creation of a sound mind in a sound body.” Here Aristotle points out that it is the process which produces reliable sensible- that is likely to correct mind in a sensible body. This suggests self development. J. Raymont is of the opinion that “education is the complete development from infancy to maturity, the process by which he adopts himself gradually in various ways of his physical, social and spiritual environment.” Raymont suggests all-round development of the self.
Point [A] II. Cocept of Philosophy of Education:-
Philosophy of education is eventually a method of approaching educational experience. It is the criticism of the general theory of education. It consists of critical evaluation and systematic reflection upon general theories. It is a synthesis of educational facts with education values. In brief it is a philosophical process of solving educational problems through philosophical method, from philosophical attitude to arrive at philosophical conclusions and results. The main problems of philosophy of education includes aim and ideals of education, analysis of human nature, relationship of education and state, educational values, theory of knowledge and its relationship to education, economic system and education, the place of school in educational system, the curriculum and the process of education and finally the relationship of education and social progress. Following are the problems of education, education philosophy helps to solve these kinds of problems:-
1. Why do we educate?
It deals with the aims of education or purpose behind the teaching-learning process. It suggests the development i.e. overall development- psychological, spiritual, physical, social & moral…. Bread & butter aim, developing skills, economic development, and acceptance and understanding culture and so on. These are the common aims to set education.
2. What do we mean by teaching or education?
This suggests the continuous process of education- what is education? It takes place in a formal way by importing knowledge to bring about desirable change in a person’s/learner’s behavior. Everyone learns not only from schooling or colleges but also from day to day experiences and from environment. It is a continuous process from womb to tomb.
3. What to teach?
This question points out the course content means which subjects to teach – math, science, social studies, English, Guajarati, Hindi….. and in subjects which are the topics to teach if it is language then poetry, prose, grammar should be taught or if it is mathematics then at which level, which kind of math’s should be taught, e.g. at third standard a teacher ought to teach some simple sums related to multiplication, substraction, addition and so on.
4. How to teach?
This question gives answer to which methodologies, approaches and techniques are used to teach whether to use lecture method, seminar and workshop, group discussion, play-way technique, communicative approach & so on.
5. Whom to teach?
Here this question focuses the role of students as well as role of a teacher. A teacher should be taken in to consideration the level of students and then he should decide that which one is appropriate method, approach & technique. The level of students contains primary class student, secondary level, collegiate level etc.
6. What is the role of a teacher?
In teaching-learning process, teacher’s role is very important role. She/he plays different role in education, e.g. as a role model, a guide, a motivator, a facilitator and so on. Students observe their teacher and also follow them so teacher is a role model for them. A teacher always motivate/encourage the students to speak out, to participate in different activities etc. so she/he is a motivator. A teacher provides a platform and creates an opportunity to bring out the inner talent of the learners and also identify their specially and she/he allows to flourish it so she/he also plays a role of a facilitator.
7. Relation between teacher & learner:-
Relation between & teacher and learners should be more friendly and approachable. And how a teacher establishes rapport between him & students and which are different methods to remove the distance between a teacher and learners? Educational philosophy helps to solve this problem.
8. How to evaluate?
Evaluation is necessary tool through which teacher comes to know about the progress of learners or where learners are lagging behind. In schools evaluation is done in two ways- 1. Summative evaluation: In which internal test and external test are kept in focus to judge the development of learners, which is on the basis of the marks or grade. 2. Formative evaluation examines all activities learners do which includes attendance, assignments, responsibilities, participation in co-curricular activities, behavior etc.
These are general problems, philosophy of education helps to solve them. We know that education deals with knowledge. It is determined by the sources, limits, criteria and means of knowledge. The discussion of all these however falls within the jurisdiction of epistemology, an area of philosophy. The most important service of philosophy of education to a cause of education everywhere, is the prescription of criteria for deciding the relationship of state and education, economic system and education curriculum administration, discipline, progress etc. and the most important part of the scope of the philosophy of education is formed by the education values which is determined by philosophical values. Thus philosophy of education is an important branch of applied philosophy of the three divisions of philosophy- metaphysics, epistemology and axiology; philosophy of education falls in the third. It is, therefore, mainly concerned with education values.
Point [A] I. Relationship between Education & Philosophy.
Education and philosophy are the sides of the same coin –life. There is a close inter –relationship between philosophy and education. Philosophy points out the way and education follows it. Education thus becomes the best means for the propagation of philosophy. To led a good life and for a good society, we need direction and this direction is provided exclusively by philosophy.
1. A constant interaction goes on between the two. It is therefore said that without philosophy education would be a blind effort and without education philosophy would be crippled.
2. Education is a set of technique for imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes where as philosophy is the foundation to vitalize these.
3. Education is a laboratory in which philosophical directions become concrete and are tested.
4. Philosophy is the foundation and education is the super structure.
5. Philosophy assists education in understanding the learner his life his actions ideals and problems.
6. Philosophy determines what is worth living. Education then prepares the individuals for that.
7. Philosophy explains the principles but those principles are the product of eduation.
8. Philosophy gives directions and education follows it. Philosophy helps to make education dynamics.
9. Philosophy is like contemplation or meditation where as education is an active part of the philosophy.
10. Scope of philosophy is broad and educational scope is limited and specific to the content.
When we think over some educational activities, this thinking gives birth to philosophy. Therefore, the famous educationist john dewey admits education and not curiosity or wonder as the origin of philosophy. According to him, the function of philosophy is to think over the problems of education. He says “Philosophy is the theory of education in its most phases.”Thus, we may conclude that education and philosophy are interdependent and complementary to each other.
The mutual relationship between education and philosophy can be seen by another fact. All great philosophers are great educators also. Great philosophers ultimately start thinking about education. Most of the educational movements were the expressions of their philosophical believes. The great philosophers of all the times have also been great educators. View of thinkers like.. Socratis Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Dewey, Bertrand Russell, A.N. Whitehood, John locke offered an interesting example of the intimate connection between philosophy and education. In recent times , this is fully illustrated in the case of swami vivekanand, Rabindranath Tagore, Sir Aurbindoo, M.K.GandhiEtc.. Even in ancient period every philosopher was an Acharya ( Teacher). We are acquainted with the names of philosophers and teachers like Vashisth, Gautam, Sandiapan, Dronancharya.
Philosophy becomes handy to the educator for formulation his objectives in education.As Robert Rusk Says, “ Philosophy formulates , what should be the end of life while education refers suggestion how this life is to be achieved. The ideals of the present philosophy in Indai are reflected in the preamtable of the constitution. These ideals of secularism, socialism and democracy are the watchwords of education. To conclude , we can say that relationship between education and philosophy is bilateral.
Relation between education and philosophy in terms of aims, curriculum, methods of teaching, discipline and role of a teacher
Philosophy and education are closely related for several reasons. The main reason is the expression of its outlook on education by different philosophers. Every philosopher has said something or the other on education, such as, Gandhiji on basic education, Rabindranath Tagore on Shantiniketan system of education. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle etc are not only for their philosophical but also for their educational ideas. According to James Ross- “philosophy and education are the two sides of the same coin, preventing different views of the same thing and that the one is implied by the other.” This means philosophy and education are interrelated or both are complementary. In the words of John Adams- “Education is the dynamic side of philosophy.” This definition focuses on constant changing attitude or nature of education, which suggests education is a continuous process or through education every human being changes his behavior and owing to being educated she./he becomes 5th and change his/her philosophy but it is true that education and philosophy go hand in hand. So in gentiles view-education without philosophy would mean a failure to understand the precise nature of education. The following points will further highlight the relationship:-
Philosophy and aims of education
Education and philosophy are both related to the life of man. Attitude of man towards life is called philosophy and the aim of education is determined on this basis. Different people have different views of life so their philosophical thoughts are also differ. Some people think worldly pleasures as life and want to enjoy life as much as possible. So they want to relate education with vocational aims. Some people consider the pleasures of life as meaningless and consider spiritual life as supreme penance. Therefore they want to make education as a means or basis of spiritual development. According to them the main aim of education will be self-realization. Thus philosophy is different from person to person. But it is true that philosophy helps everyone to determine this aim of education so philosophy gives valuable advice regarding the aims of education by studying the view-points of various persons and groups. And it is philosophy that explains which of the educational aims will bear fruitful or harmful results and whether they are in favor or against the views of society.
B. Philosophy and curriculum:-
After determining the aims of education, philosophy helps us in arrangements of curriculum indicates what to teach and the order in which to teach. And in the curriculum it is decided that in the education of a particular stage which of the portion of that vast knowledge should be included so that it may be easy and useful for the students. And we know that according to the aims of education curriculum is formed and which subjects are to be taught at which level? Or whether co-curricular activities to be included or not? Which kind of syllabus to be practiced in the classroom? And students’ level also taken in to consideration and on the basis of it, the practical as well as theoretical aspects are to be decided. We know that the knowledge of the whole universe and of the inner sphere i.e. a person’s own inner cosmos that means the knowledge of self-realization, values and so on taken in to consideration when curriculum formed, e.g. we find that curriculum varies from university to university or board to board. There is committee or council who forms the curriculum on the basis of their understanding and philosophy. Thus philosophy makes significant contribution in the construction of curriculum by evaluating and what is not. It also tells us what knowledge of what knowledge is to be emphasized for the curriculum of particular view-point. To sum up, philosophy advises that what type of curriculum should be constructed to achieve that particular aim.
C. Philosophy and methods of teaching:-
To select the methods of teaching, a teacher should pay attention to the child’s interest, aptitude and mental ability. His attention would be diverted to the need of the boys. And question arises before a teacher that what to teach? Here philosophy advises a teacher about which method is convenient for him as well as the students. Whether inductive and deductive methods should be used or along with analyses of science, synthesis of philosophy should be used. And philosophy helps every teacher to decide the methods of teaching. She/he can use lecture method or play-way method or she/he can use charts, maps, pictures related to the topic, some jig-saw puzzles, audio-video aids, OHP, LCD projector and so on. And the three steps of philosophy, i.e. hearing, thinking and contemplation should be utilized.
Philosophy and discipline:-
Now-a-days there is a talk of students’ indiscipline everywhere and almost all persons are worried about it. But if we peep in to our past days the students were more disciplined. Why this happened? Discipline is a relative idea, which is related to the philosophy of the individual and society. As education moulds the character of an individual and make him an ideal one or an ideal citizen. Same as philosophy helps us to study students’ indiscipline and it supports us to find different solutions of this problem with the help of philosophy. We study the behavior of students and analyze them and get the idea that how far modern social traditions are useful and what changes will be necessary in them. In the context of discipline similarly a teacher behaves in the classroom, it is his philosophy which helps him to control the whole class and make students disciplinary.
(E) Philosophy and the role of a teacher:-
In teaching teacher plays an important role. She/he is the only individual who will help so many students to be good human being. She/he uses different methods in the classroom and the same as she/he utilizes various techniques and approaches to mould the students’ career. Each and every step helps the students to learn something, so she/he plays various roles as facilitator, a guide, a motivator and so on. As we know everyone has his own philosophy the same as every teacher behaves in the classroom with his own philosophy. He teaches the students after deciding their level, I.Q. etc. it is the philosophy which helps the teacher to decide everything and his philosophy would be accepted by students and so teachers are role-models for them, e.g. in the fifth standard teachers make them aware about different things including every subjects they have some practical works and the same as at 10th standard the teachers’ approach are different from their approach in the fifth standard. Why teachers make changes in their methods of teaching? It is the philosophy which makes them aware about different methodologies and so their approach is different. Thus philosophy contributes a lot in education and it helps the teachers how to teach and what to teach.
No comments:
Post a Comment