IDEALISM
IDEALISM
FACULTY: FEAMS
GROUP MEMBERS
BAEDFA GROUP A
1. ATWINE VICTOR 23/BSU/BAEDFA/1717
2. BARYAIJA LIVING 23/BSU/BAEDFA/0880
3. NAKAZIBWE SOPHIA 23/BSU/BAEDFA/3686
4. NUWANDINDA SETH 23/BSU/BAEDFA/1792
5. KEMIGISHA CATHERINE 23/BSU/BAEDFA/0868
6. MUSINGUZI NAZARIO 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2023
7. NINSHABA BARBRAH 23/BSU/BAEDFA/1191
TEAM PROGRESS
8. KANYEBAZE JOSHUA 23/BSU/BSCED/3668
9. ASIIMWE MARK 23/BSU/BSCED/3038
10. NDYAMUHAKYI BRIAN 23/BSU/BSCED/2126
11. KEMIGISHA GRACE 23/BSU/BSCED/4266
12. NINSIIMA CAROLINE 23/BSU/BSCED/2337
13. TUSINGWIRE NICHOLAS 23/BSU/BSCED/0920
14. ASIIMWE DANSON 23/BSU/BSCED/2053
15. ASIIMWE BRUCE. 23/BSU/BSCED/2138
EDUCATION STRUGGLERS
15. ARINDA MARIOUS 23/BSU/BAEDHM/2298
16. NANKUNDA SANDRAH 23/BSU/BAEDHM/0906
17. MATSIKO HAMSON 23/BSU/BAEDHM/0850
18. KENYANGI PAMELAH 23/BSU/BAEDHM/3962
19. NATUHWERA YEREMIAH 23/BSU/BAEDHM/4097
20. KOBUGABE BRENDAH 23/BSU/BAEDHM/0890
21. KEMIGISHA FAITH 23/BSU/BAEDHM/3687
22. KYOHAIRWE CLEOPHAS 23/BSU/BAEDHM/1086
23. KIIZA SIMON 23/BSU/BAEDHM/3174
GROUP ONE
24. MATSIKO OSBERT 23/BSU/BAEDLL/0266
25. NAKALISA JULIAN 23/BSU/BAEDLL/1253
26. ATUKWATSE PRAISE 23/BSU/BAEDLL/1814
27. NEMIGISHA PRETTY 23/BSU/BAEDLL/1402
28. TASHOBYA JETHRO MAYO 23/BSU/BAEDLL/4117
29. KOMUHANGI MARTHA 23/BSU/BAEDLL/3069
30. MASTIKO OSBERT. 23/BSU/BAEDLL/0266
BAEDFA GROUP B
30. ATUHAIRE AGATHA 23/BSU/BAEDFA/1178
31. NIMUSIIMA DAPHINE 23/BSU/BAEDFA/1474
32. BITWABWINE IVAN 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2162
33. TURYASINGURA EDWARD 23/BSU/BAEDFA/3704
34. KWESIGA DIANA 23/BSU/BAEDFA/0481
35. TURIBAMWE KASHAIJA 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2969
36. KEMBABAZI BLESSING 23/BSU/BAEDFA/3002
37. MUSIGIRE DEVIS 23/BSU/BAEDFA/3304
38. MWESIGYE NOBERT 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2710
BAEDFA GROUP C
39. KANSHABE BETETH 23/BSU/BEADFA/2039
40. AINEBYOONA MATHEW 23/BSU/BAEDFA/1304
41. AINOMUGISHA ZALALA 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2289
42. AGABA NICHOLAS 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2137
43. NASASIRA OLIVIAS 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2133
44. ATUHEIRE OLIVER 23/BSU/BAEDFA/1939
45. TURYASINGURA NICHOLAS 23/BSU/BAEDFA/0192
46. ARIHO ARTHUR 23/BSU/BAEDFA/0482
47. NINYESIGA JUDITH 23/BSU/BAEDFA/3662
48. AYEBARE GERALD 23/BSU/BAEDFA/2288
49. AMWINE GRACIANO 23/BSU/BAEDFA/3804
QUESTIONS;
a) Concept of idealism as a philosophy of education
b) Origin of idealism
c) Major proponents of idealism
d) How idealism looks at educational objectives
e) How idealism looks at assessment and evaluation
f) How idealism looks at the role of the teacher
g) How idealism looks at aviology
h) How idealism looks about epistemology
i) How idealism looks at the methods of teaching
j) How idealism looks at an educated person
k) Advantages and disadvantages of idealism
1a) concept of idealism as a philosophy of education
Idealism is a philosophical doctrine that emphasizes the impatience of ideas, mind and spirit over
material objects.In the context of education, idealism posits that the primary aim is to develop
the individuals, intellectual,moral and spiritual capacities
The philosophy asserts that education should be a trans formative experience that helps
students realize their highest potential ad cultivate values such as truth, beauty and goodness.
Idealists believe that knowledge is derived from ideas rather than sensory experiences which
lead to a focus on subjects like literature, philosophy and history.
Spiritual reality; the ultimate reality is considered to be spiritual in nature. Idealists argue that
human beings posses a higher intellectual capacity that allows them to engage with this spiritual
reality.
Focus on universal truths; idealists believe in universal truths that transcend individual
experiences. Education under this philosophy seeks to expose students to these truths through
classical texts and philosophical inquiry.
Development of moral character; it stresses the importance of nurturing ethical values and
moral reasoning in students. The aim is to develop individuals who can think critically about
moral dilemmas and contribute positively to society.
Spiritual development; it encourages to create environments that foster spiritual values such as
truth, beauty, and goodness, guiding students forward a higher understanding of these concepts.
Conservation and transmission of cultural heritage; it aims to preserve and transmit cultural
heritage across generations. Idealists argue that it is crucial for students to learn about their
cultural history and achievements in various fields such as science and art.
Origin of idealism
Idealism is a philosophy which gives priority to the mind. Mind is used to mean the spiritual
element in man. An idealist believes that all things in the universe is an expression of the mind. It
emphasizes the importance of ideas, values and mental constructs as foundational to learning
and teaching processes.
An idealism shifts the emphasis from the natural or scientific facts of life to the spiritual aspects
of life to the spiritual aspects of human personality as of supreme value,representing the noblest
work of God( Bowen and Hobson).
The chief proponents of idealism were Plato(427-347BC), Kant(1724-1804AD),William T.
Harris(1835-1909AD)
Historical roots; the origins of idealism can be traced back to ancient philosophers such as Plato
who posited that the physical world is a mere shadow of a higher reality composed of abstract
forms or ideas.
Plato’s influence; Plato's theory of forms suggests that true knowledge comes from
understanding these immutable and eternal ideas rather sensory experience.
Plato, the earliest known contributor to idealism and the most pronounced, developed the
theory of forms which stated the ‘noumena’ a geek word for ideas or knowledge.
Medieval contributions; during the medieval period, thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas
integrated platonic ideals with christian theology, further developing the notion that spiritual
realities are paramount in understanding truth and morality with in education.
German idealism; the late 18th and early 19th centuries saw the emergence of German idealism
with figures like Kant, Fichte, Schelling and Hegel. They expanded on earlier ideas by emphasizing
self consciousness and the development of human spirit through education.
Kant's influence on education; Immanuel Kant argued for an argued for an education that
fosters moral autonomy and critical thinking, suggesting that individuals must be educated to
think for themselves rather than merely accept external authority.
Hegel's dialect method; Hegel introduced a dialectical method where contradictions in thought
lead to higher levels of understanding a process applicable to educational practices aimed at
fostering intellectual development through discussion and debate.
The role of values in education movements; idealism has influenced progressive education
movements by promoting experiential learning where students engage actively with ideas rather
than passively receiving information from teachers.
Plato
He is often regarded as the father of idealism and his theory states that ideas represent the most
accurate reality. For example in his work ‘the republic’, describes an educational system aimed at
producing philosopher-kings who understand the forms and how to govern wisely.
Immanuel Kant
Kant emphasized the role of human reasoning and morality in understanding the world. He
believed that education should foster rational thinking and moral development. These are
reflected in his works like ‘what’s enlightenment where he advocates for an education that
encourages individuals to think independently and develop a moral compass.
George Berkeley
George Berkeley was another significant proponent of idealism who contributed to educational
philosophy through his emphasis on perception as fundamental to understanding reality. He also
argued that objects exist only as they are perceived thus, he placed his emphasis on the
emphasis on the importance of sensory experiences in learning processes.
In educational context, this means creating environments where learners can engage directly
with materials and concepts through observation and interaction rather than role memorization.
G.W.F. Hegel
Hegel a renowned German philosopher is known for his absolute idealism which suggests that
reality is ultimately a product of the absolute spirit or divine mind. He believed that history and
the natural world were part of a larger, unfolding process of spiritual development.
Bertrand Russell
Russell, a British philosopher and logician is well known for his idealist philosophy which he
called ‘neutral monism’. he argued that reality is ultimately a combination of mind and matter
and that our understanding of the world is shaped by our perceptions and experiences.
In conclusion, idealism in education emphasizes the development of the mind,moral values and
individual potential. The proponents mentioned above have significantly influenced educational
practices by advocating for curricula that prioritize critical thinking, creativity and personal
growth. Their ideas continue to resonate in contemporary educational philosophy, encouraging
a focus on shaping well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to society.
Subjective understanding; idealism recognizes that knowledge is often subjective and influenced
by individual perspectives. Assessments may include open-ended questions, reflective essays or
personal projects that allow students to express their unique interpretations and insights.
Values and ethics; given the idealist focus on moral values, assessments may evaluate how well
students embody ethical principles in their work and interactions. This could involve group
projects, community service evaluations or discussions around ethical dilemmas.
Encouragement of lifelong learning; idealism fosters a love for learning rather than merely
measuring performance through grades. Assessments might focus on student interests and
passions, promoting intrinsic motivation and a desire for continuous growth.
Constructive feedback; in an idealist frame work, feedback is seen as more valuable than
traditional grading. Constructive criticism helps students understand their strengths and areas
for improvement, guiding their intellectual and personal development.
Development of higher order thinking skills; assessments maybe designed to encourage high
order thinking skills such as,synthesis and evaluation.this aligns with the idealist belief in the
importance of developing a rich inner life and understanding complex concepts
In summary, idealism approaches assessment ad evaluation as tools of fostering intellectual and
moral growth ,emphasizing holistic understanding ,subjective interpretation ,ethical
values,lifelong learning , constructive feedback higher order thinking skills.This perspective seeks
to nurture well rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also ethically
responsible
In the realm of idealism,the role of the teacher is very important and glorious.According to
idealism,the teacher plays a pivotal role in the educational process, serving as a central figure
who embodies the ideas and values that students are encouraged to emulate. The teacher is
seen not only as an instructor but also as a moral guide and a role model for students. This
multifaceted role encompass several key responsibilities.
Role model, the idealist teacher is expected to exemplify intellectual, moral and spiritual
virtues. They serve as a living example as a living example of the ideas they wish to instill in their
students, encouraging them to strive for perfection in these areas.
Facilitator of learning, the teacher creates an environment conducive to learning by
organizing subject matter effectively and fostering a comfortable atmosphere. This includes using
various teaching methods that stimulate critical thinking and engagement among students.
An idealist teacher builds personal relationships with their students understanding their
individual needs and motivations. This connection helps inspire students to learn and grow while
feeling supported in their educational journey.
Encourage of inquiry, utilizing methods such as Socratic questioning and dialectics, the
idealist teacher encourages students to think deeply and critically about subjects. By asking
probing questions, they help students explore ideas and develop their reasoning skills.
Promoter of lifelong learning, teachers instill a love for learning in their students,
encouraging them to pursue knowledge throughout their lives beyond formal education settings.
Facilitator of knowledge, in idealism, the teacher is seen as a facilitator who guides students
in their quest for knowledge, helping them to explore and understand abstract concepts.
Cultivator of imagination, idealism values creativity and imagination. Teachers are tasked with
nurturing these qualities in students allowing them to envision possibilities beyond the material
world.
Provider of intellectual frameworks; teachers introduce students to various philosophical
frameworks and theories enabling them to construct their understanding of reality based on
idealist principles.
Encouraging of social responsibility;teachers help cultivate a sense of social responsibility
among students by discussing society issues and encouraging active participation in community
life.
Connector between theory and practice, teachers bridge the gap between theoretical
knowledge and practical application, helping students understand how abstract ideas
manifesting real-world situations.
In summary, within an idealistic framework, teachers are not merely transmitters of
knowledge, they are integral figures who shape the moral character and intellectual capabilities
of their students by embodying ideals themselves.
G) How idealism looks at axiology
Axiology is a branch of philosophy that deals with values including ethics(moral values) and
aesthetics (values related to beauty). from an idealist standpoint, axiology plays a significant role
in education by guiding educators in determining what values should be imparted to students.
Idealism views axiology as a fundamental within the philosophy of education by emphasizing the
following points;
Intrinsic value of knowledge; knowledge possess intrinsic value because it contributes to the
development of the self and enhances one’s understanding of reality.
Aesthetic appreciation; idealists also stress the importance of aesthetic values in education.
They argue that exposure to art, literature, music and other forms of creative expression
enriches students lives and fosters their appreciation for beauty.
Universal truth; idealists assert that there are universal truths that transcend individual
experiences or cultural contexts. In the terms of axiology, this means that certain ethical
standards or aesthetic principles are universally applicable. Educators are encouraged to teach
these ideas so that students can aspire to higher moral and intellectual standards.
The concept of permanence; the permanence aspect in idealism emphasizes that these values
do not change over time or across different cultures, instead they remain constant and serve as
guiding principles for human behaviors. This notion constraints sharply with realistic views where
values are seen as fluid ad subject to change based on circumstances or societal evolution.
Ethical behaviour reflecting universal values. Ethical behavior should reflect these unchanging
learners morals, values and truth in the knowledge.
Epistemology of idealism explains that knowledge acquired through the senses is uncertain and
incomplete since the material world is only a disturbed copy of a more perfect sphere of being.
I) How does idealism look at the methods of teaching
Idealism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the importance of ideas, consciousness
and the mind in shaping reality. In the context of education, idealism posits that teaching should
focus on the development of the intellect and moral character of students. This approach
advocates for a curriculum that nurtures critical thinking, creativity and ethical reasoning. The
methods of teaching within an idealist framework are designed to foster a deep understanding
of concepts rather than mere memorization. Below are posits detailing how idealism influences
teaching methods.
Emphasis on intellectual development; idealism prioritizes the cultivation of intellectual
abilities over practical skills. Teachers encourage students to engage with complex ideas and
think critically.
Learning through reading; idealism emphasizes the importance of reading as a method of
teaching. Students are encouraged to read not just textbooks but also literature, philosophy and
spiritual texts that stimulate their minds and foster deeper understanding.
Lecturing; the lecture method is considered traditional and teacher-centered. While it allows
for the dissemination of knowledge to a large audience. Idealists recognize that it may lead to
passive learning if not complemented with interactive methods.
Questioning; this method involves systematic questioning by the teacher to gauge students’
understanding and encourage deeper thinking. It fosters an environment where students feel
comfortable exploring ideas.
Reflective practices; students are encouraged to reflect to their learning experiences,
fostering self awareness and personal development.
Lifelong learning orientation; idealism promotes the idea that education is a lifelong process,
thus teaching methods encourage curiosity beyond formal schooling years.
Fostering autonomy in learning; students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning
processes by setting goals and pursuing interests independently within guided frameworks.
Assessment beyond standardized testing; assessment methods in an idealist context may
include portfolios or presentations instead of standardized tests focusing on comprehensive
understanding rather than memorization.
Encouragement of self-reflection; students are prompted to reflect on their own thoughts
and beliefs ad experiences as part of the learning process.
Development of critical thinking skills; teaching methods focus on developing students’
abilities to analyze arguments, evaluate evidence and construct reasoned conclusions.
Mentor ship relationships, idealist teaching often includes mentorship where teachers guide
students not just academically but also personally and spiritually.
3. The republic of Plato. This fundamental text outlines Plato's vision for an ideal society
governed by philosopher-kings. It serves as a primary source for understanding his views on
education’s role In achieving moral evidence.