Blog: Study Points

Define economic foundation of education and Discuss the relationship between education and economics

Economic foundation of education refers to those factors of individual and collective economic development which are considered during the formulation of a system of education for a nation. A struggle for the fulfillment of material needs of the individuals is the fundamental subject of economics. Education develops the potentials and abilities of the individuals for the fulfillment of these needs. It can be clearly seen that there is a close relationship between education and economies. This relationship is explained in the flowing lines :-

Education paves the way to the fulfillment of the economic needs of the individual and society. This close relationship between education and economic needs has been acknowledged by the leading educational economists of the world.
Education trains the individuals of the society and. prepares them participate in the economic-oriented activities in the society. This training provides necessary skillful manpower.
A trained and skillful society is, basically a economically stable society. Thus, economic stability had deep concerns with the educated society.
Research in education has brought about many new theories of economic development. These theories have opened new vistas of economic growth.
Education uplifts the standard of living of the individuals. This increase in standard of living leads to the increase in grant national incomes.
Economic prosperity leads to the social stability. All these changes are the product of education.
A financially satisfied person performs his social role effectively and efficiently. This financial satisfaction brings about social agreeableness.

Social foundation of education refers to those social needs of the individuals and sources of social stability which are taken into account in connection with the development of a system of education for a nation. Social needs are the foundations of the educative process throughout the globe. This very social consideration is called social foundation of education. With the help of this foundation, the educational objectives like ‘social development of the individuals’ and ‘social stability’ are realized. Following are the salient points regarding the social foundation of education :-

Society fixes the responsibility of providing such individuals who are equipped with the social values and cause social stability.
Every society is confronted with many problems. Education identifies the problems faced by the society. Education is the only device by which organized efforts are made to solve the social problems.
Every nation has the desire to make the national ideology as the foundation of social life. Education takes the responsibility of making the national ideology as the part of their personality.
Education teaches the students that mankind is a one family. The world peace lies in the promotion of mutual co-operation among the individuals.
It is mandatory to education to pave the way to justice, tolerance, and unity in the society and thereby cause global peace.
Social awareness must be produced through curricular and co-curricular activities so that a pious and righteous society may be established.
A sense of social rights and duties should be produced through education. A balanced society may be established in this way.
Education safeguards and transmits the social values. If education does not realize this mandatory responsibility, the social might have been removed and society might have been devoid of social values.
When the social values are practiced on a large scale in the society, they provide an opportunity to the anti-social phenomena to enter the social sphere. Education critically evaluates these anti-social phenomena. It discriminates the righteous values from the anti-social ones and takes measures to transmit the righteous ones to the next generations.
A society should know its past, present and probable future. It should keep an eye on the social conditions of the past so as to save the existing problems. Education observes the social problems from a variety of angels and consequently suggests appropriate solutions of these problems.

School is a social institution which builds the personality and character of the youths in accordance with the social aspirations and needs. As a social centre, school provides such experiences to the students which help them develop their natural abilities. Society fixes the responsibility of character building of the members of society on the shoulders of education. The role of school in the society can be manifested in the following lines :-

Acquaintance with life ideology :

Every nation follows an ideology of life which gives an identity to the nation. This ideology provides a line of action to the nation for leading successful individual and collective life. Every Society longs for enabling the new generation acquainted with life ideology: The society sets up educational institutions for the realization of this national objective. This is the duty of the school to impart the national ideology to the children and provide all sorts of help for leading life according to the national ideology.

Transmission of cultural values :

Every society has the desire to propagate and promote its civilization and culture. When people belonging to various societies feel pride in adopting a particular culture, it indicates the propagation of a particular culture. Every society takes steps for the promotion of its cultural values by means of the educative process. This is the duty of school to indoctrinate the social, religious, cultural and moral values to the Students. This is the foremost responsibility of the school which cannot be ignored in any case.

Social agreeableness :

Education develops a social sense in the students. This ability enables them to lead a balanced and adjusted life in the society. This is the responsibility of education to bring school and society closer to each other. This closeness brings about social agreeableness which is a significant social aim of education. The society expects that the school would teach the social values and ethical. manners to the children and thereby make them useful and productive citizens. The school administration should produce a society-oriented environment in the school so that the students may learn the social rules and values before entering the society.

Civic training :

Education develops the social understanding of the individuals. After being educated,.they observe respect for the social environment. To my mind, school is the only place which can provide civic training to. the individuals. The people should be equipped with the emotions of love, justice, and mutual-respect. These emotions are necessary for pleasant and productive social life. If the children have respect for the national and social to the maximum extent, they would be considered as socially trained.

Reconstruction Of social order :

Education is a process of imparting social values and ethics to the students so that they may become useful citizens. The social needs and demands change as the time passes. In the changing social conditions, this is the duty of school to critically and impartially evaluate the changing demands of life. It should select those activities for the student which may harmonize them with the modern social needs. In short, reconstruction of social life is one of the significant responsibilities of the educative process.

Promotion of democratic values :

A school takes steps for the provision of such environment which allows democratic values to flourish in the personality and character of the children. The school, as a social centre, provides the opportunities of freedom of expression. They are left with the liberty to. speak whatever they wish to speak. The teacher should ensure the participation of the students in the instructional process. Their aspirations and desires should be honored and steps should be taken up for the realization of their inner desires.

Development of abilities :

Every child is born with peculiar individual abilities and faculties. This is the responsibility of the educative process to help the child in the development and training of the granted abilities. A balanced system of education is responsible for the comprehensive development of the abilities of the students: The school should make arrangements for the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a child’s personality. The co-curricular activities play a significant role in the development of various aspects of the personality of the children. That is why; a school promotes co-curricular activities in the premises of the school.

Fulfillment of national aims :

The School is a Significant source of realization of national aims and priorities. It should train the students in line with the national aims and ideals. A nation expects that the educated children would fulfill the national aims and ideals after being educated. There should be no negligence on the part of school in fulfilling the national aims set by the society. If education is not able to fulfill the said aims, it would be considered as unproductive and futility of time.

Safeguard of civilization & culture :

Every society has a particular ideology according to Which it decides the various affairs of its life. All the societies vary in cultural values and social fabrics. This very difference in cultural values distinguishes one society from the others. Every society has the desire to transfer its culture and civilization to the safe hands. School is the only means which take steps for the safeguard of culture and civilization of-a nation. Safeguard of civilization is a very sensitive responsibility which is taken up by education as a representative of society.

Character building :

The school should build the character and personality of the students in line with national ideology by means of various curricular and co-curricular activities. The national life philosophy should be reflected in the personality of the children. Their conduct should speak the national code of conduct. The school should provide the freedom of expression to the students so they may grow their natural freedom. The student should be persuaded to follow the golden immortal values like truthfulness, industriousness, fraternity, honesty, piety fulfillment of promise, and trustworthiness.

Propagation of civilization & culture :

Every society is desirous of promoting its culture and civilization. It has also a great longing for adopting its culture by the people belonging to other societies. Every society promotes its cultural traditions by means of the educative process. This is the responsibility of the school to persuade the children to accept the social. religious, moral, cultural and ethical values. This is the type of responsibility which can be turned down in any case. If culture is not propagated through education, the new generation will not be aware of the cultural values which are necessary for the growth and survival of the Society.

Society refers to a fairly large number of people who live in the same territory, are relatively independent of people outside it and participate in a common culture.

Society is a group of individuals who share common culture and territory.
Society is a relatively self-sufficient and self-sustaining group of people who are united by social relationships and who live in a particular society.
Society is a group of people who interact within a limited territory guided by their culture.
Society is a group of people living in a specific geographical territory who share a culture which forms the basis for the rules that guide their behavior.
Society refers to a fairly large group of individuals who have common objectives of life and who co-operate one another for the realization of these objectives.
Society means a group of people who depend on one another for the fulfillment of their needs.
Society refers to a group of people who live a specific territory, independent of external pressures, for the realization of common interest.

The relationship between education and society can be described in the following lines :-

Education is the representative of society :

Education is a social process which strives for the fulfillment of the desires of society. Education determines its destination in the light of social objectives. The desires of society are the ultimate aims of education. Education formulates such programs which pave the way to the fulfillment of social aspirations. Education is the representative of social desires. Education is nothing but a reflection of the needs of society.

Society provides a line of action to education :

Education cannot decide its objectives by itself. This is the competency of the society to determine the objectives of education. The needs and desires. of the society are, in fact, the aims of education. For the realization of these aims of education, a comprehensive educative process is carried out. If the society does not exist, there would be no concept of aims of education. This is the Society which determines the ultimate aim of. education. For the realization of the objectives of education, the educational institutions are established in the society.

Education teaches social role :

Every society intends to teach the values and traditions of the society so that the, individuals may turn into useful citizens. Education is held responsible to make the individuals understand the social values so that they may play their social role. Education is the only means of imparting the social fabrics to the present and future generations. In this regard, education runs the whole structure of society which is necessary for its stability and growth.

Education maintains social stability :

The people lead their lives according to their social values in a stable and prosperous society. When the people follow the social values and traditions, it leads to the social stability and integrity. The survival and growth of the social values largely rest on the individuals who apply them on their daily life affairs. The social values can only be livened up when they become the part of the personality of the individuals. This is education which teaches the students their social role for the maintenance of Social stability.

Education transmits values :

Education is the only means through which social values are preserved and transmitted to the next generations. If education does not function in this fashion, the social valued would have lost their identity and survival. If education suspends, it will lead to the suspension of social growth. In the presence of the educative process, it can be hoped that the social values are become the part of personality of the youths.

Education causes social growth :

As education depends on society for its existence, social development largely rests on society. No society can touch the height of prosperity without promoting the educative process. The process of social development halts without education. The society without education is like a traveler who has led astray. The social growth is, closely connected with the educational development. The all-round development of the society is caused by a smooth running of a system of education in the society.

Society serves as a guide of education :

Society not only determines the aims of education but also guides the educative process at every step. The society objects on all the inappropriate measures and steps to be taken and suggests the best possible options available to the educative process. The society cannot bear with such educational activities which are against the social values and interests. To me, the society guides the educative process and thereby enables it to attain the social objectives associated with the social development.

Survival of society rests on education :

Social survival refers to the continuous flowing, rule of righteous values and unity of social elements to be observed in the social institutions. Along with the continuity of human life, education is held responsible for the Survival of society. The lives of society and education depend on each other. Education designs such programs which pave the way to social survival. The educative process is processed for the benefit of society. This benefit, in the true sense, leads to the destination of social survival and stability.

Education reconstructs values :

Reconstruction refers to the modification and up gradation of the components of a phenomenon or ideology. Reconstruction also includes the re-evaluation of those doctrines, values, traditions and thoughts which are directly concerned with the human life affairs. The concept of social stability is not confined to the promotion and transmission of social values. Re-evaluation of social values is also included in the concept of social stability. The social needs change with the change of time. In the circumstance, it seems essential to harmonize the social values with the social needs. This is the duty of the school to constantly evaluate the social values. It should also have an eye on the phenomenon to what extent social values are contributing to the cause of social stability. T o my mind, reconstruction of social values is a significant function of education without which the destination of social stability cannot be attained.

Education promotes civilization :

Education not only transmits values but also develops and promotes civilization. Rise, and fall of civilizations is, in fact, the rise and fall of education. The role of education regarding civilization. is multi-sided. It promotes and cultivates civilization. It also reduces the possibilities of clash between the civilizations. The national ideology, values and traditions are the components of civilization. The rule of an ideology is, in fact, the rule of a particular civilization. All this is not possible without an effective system of education. If there is no education, there is no civilization altogether. When the process of the development of civilization halts, the process of social development also suspends which consequently causes social death of the individuals. Thus, it is a visible reality that education is the only means of growth and promotion of civilization.

The principles of psychology play a significant role for success in the educative process. Psychology, in fact, is the study of those natural laws of mind and behavior which pave the way to the successful process of instruction. It seems necessary to know the nature of the child for the justification of education. A teacher should know the sources which can bring about behavioral changes in the personality of the children. To my mind, the educative process is based on the following psychological principles :-

The process of learning and instruction can only be effective if it conforms to the nature of child developmental needs and natural inclinations.
The mind of a child always follows the laws of nature. He is granted the inclination towards good.
The thing, or phenomenon, which is against human nature, cannot become the part of the educative process. The thing of this type cannot develop the personality of the learner.
Human development, primarily, is composed of physical, cognitive, emotional and Social development.
The children differ in ,aptitudes, attitudes, interests, abilities and natural tendencies. These differences are known as individual difference.
A teacher should take into account the principles of learning and development during the instructional process.
Every man is born free. He cannot be turned into civilized one by unnatural and unpsychological restraints. Every child is obsessed with the emotions of egoism and curiosity. The educative process should satisfy the basic sentiments of the children.
The curricular content should conform to the cognitive abilities and psychological needs of the students so that the instructional objectives may be realized.
The educative process cannot be made effective and result-oriented without the application of psychological principles and findings.
All the children differ from one another. This difference in abilities can be observed in terms of intelligence, aptitude, Socio-economic status and interests.
The scientific study of the mind and behavior of the students is not possible without the acquaintance with the psychological principles.

Educational psychology is interested to clarify and improve the interaction between teaching and learning.

Educational psychology is the study of learners, learning and teaching.
Educational psychology provides a framework for looking at the student, the learning process and the learning situation.
Educational psychology is the application of psychological theories, concepts and practices to educational processes.
Educational psychology is an academic discipline which studies the educational growth and behavior in all its aspects.
Educational psychology, in its widest sense. is a study of the principles of mental life applicable to educative processes.
Education psychology is that branch of psychology devoted to the study how human learns and how they can be helped to learn. It investigates human learning and teaching methods by applying the scientific method.
As an applied science, educational psychology describes and explains the learning experiences of an individual from birth through old age.
Educational Psychology is the application of principles,- facts and techniques of individual and group psychology to human development, learning and other educational practices in a more or less controlled situation.

The role (significance) of educational psychology is manifested under the following headings :-

Formulation of educational objectives :

A clear formulation of the educational goals helps in developing the necessary programs to reach these goals. It must be clearly recognized that educational psychology by itself can never determine the educational goals to be rot. This is really a subject of the educational philosophers who formulate educational objectives in the light of social and cultural heritage, current social needs and the image of the future. It must be recognized that educational objectives have to be formulated in the light of knowledge a teacher has regarding the various stages of human development. The facts ascertained regarding individual differences have clearly shown that in the case of mentally retarded and exceptional children. the educational objective should be set in the light of their low and higher abilities.

Quality in instruction :

Educational psychology helps the teacher in bringing about improvement in the quality of his instructions. From this angle, the aim of educational psychology become to professionally train a teacher. The educational objectives cannot be achieved without the effective teaching and effective teaching requires effective communication. Some educators have estimated that effective teaching requires common sense, intuition and correct decision making. Thus, if teachers wish to make good decisions for effective teaching a thorough grounding in educational psychology is required.

Sense of realization :

Educational psychology develops a sense of realization in the educators it brings about cultural and professional changes in the teacher behavior. It also cultivates in the teacher the right attitudes towards human development and pupil learning. It further helps the teacher with information and suitable methods with the help of which he can improve his teaching skills and also ensure desirable growth in the personality of the students.

Effective Classroom Climate :

Educational psychology develops a non-directive point of view in the classroom. This point of view produces initiative, enterprising and problem solving attitudes in the learners. It has also introduced another psychological concept like “Self-concept” for the teacher. This concept helps teachers in many ways. Insides the classroom, educational psychology has enabled the teacher to achieve the instructional goals by directing classroom programs on human lines. Educational psychology helps the teacher to create effective classroom climate so as to achieve the educational objectives and to develop better attitudes towards life.

Curriculum change :

Educational psychology enables a teacher to bring changes in the contents of the curriculum with the help of new research findings. Most of the changes in the curriculum from elementary to post graduation level, occurred due to the findings of educational psychology. It has helped to obtain a “child-centered curriculum” instead of “subject-matter centered curriculum” by emphasizing children motives and their social needs. The role played by educational psychology in shaping the curricular and co-curricular activities is evident in various education system of the world.

Educational administration :

Educational psychology has provided basic educational concepts in educational administration. It has highlighted the changing concepts of the aims and..responsibilities of educational administration. Educational psychology has helped the teacher by providing him with a point of view on the educational process. on educational product and educational situation of the learner. Without the knowledge of educational administration the teacher would have groped in the dark. This knowledge has helped him in securing interest, economy of time and effort in learning. It has also endowed him with an appreciative mind with which he is able to maintain an atmosphere in the classroom that is conducive to all-round development in the learners.

Evaluating the learners performances :

Educational psychology enables a teacher to evaluate the educational outcomes of the learners. It has enabled him to make use of "intelligence tests, achievement tests and aptitude tests and so on. A teacher can use all these tests for study and evaluating various potentialities and proficiency in the academic and non academic areas of the students. It has also provided him with the knowledge on the development of personality, causes of emotional maladjustment and other related problems. This knowledge helps the teacher in evaluating the learners performance. Without the knowledge of educational psychology, a teacher cannot evaluate his students scientifically and objectively.

Organization of learning experience :

Once the objectives have been formulated, the teacher has the task of organizing the learning environment do that he can produce the specified changes in his students. A teacher has to use curriculum the textbook, the instructional aids and the pupil activity and so on. All these have to be organized so that the environment will promote the learning of new behavior. Educational psychology makes the teacher realized that every child enters the new learning experience with the accumulated facts of previous learning. A child has in him a complex integration of concepts and he will have to learn new ways of behavior. Thus, the task of organizing learning experiences is to bring about a reorganization of all these concepts so that the learner acquires new discrimination and differentiation. The organization of learning experiences guarantee learning and this is all mm to the discoveries of educational psychology.

Understanding learner behavior :

The study of educational psychology contributes to the teacher by providing him with a set of concepts and principles that enables him to understand learner behavior in a more critical way. It helps the teachers to know the common aspects among his learners like perception, learning, necessary, sensation, motivation and so on. Educational psychology also helps the teachers to know something about the unique aspect of each individual. Each learner is unique in himself. He has got his weaknesses and his own strengths. The knowledge of educational psychology helps the teacher to know about the individual differences and to decide a particular course of action for each learner.

Methods of research :

Psychology introduces the teacher to the elements of methods of research in learner behavior. As a science, educational psychology assumes that human behavior is predictable and can be explained. This view of human behavior reveals many aspects. The researches conducted by various educational psychologists have contributed enough to the content of psychology. The researches in the fields of child development, group dynamics mental health, measurement and learning have affected the educative process positively. The research methods devised by psychology substantially help the teacher to diagnose the educational problems of the learners and to enhance the teaching learning process.

Philosophy of education is such an applied branch of philosophy as is concerned with the solution of problems within the educational settings.

When general philosophy generates bonds with the educational activities, it turns i into philosophy of education.
Philosophy of education comes into being when philosophy extends its Services in solving the educational problems.
Philosophy of education refers to the practical use of the general principles of philosophy field of education.
Philosophy of education is an applied philosophy which provides ideological and conceptual guidance to all the elements of education.
The application of general principles of philosophy for the solution of educational problems is called philosophy of education.
Philosophy of education refers to interpretation of those findings Which influence the educative process.
Philosophy of education is a coin consists of two sides. The one side is called ‘philosophy’ while the other side is called ‘education’. The former is the contemplative side while the latter is the active side of the coin.

Now let us sees the relationship between philosophy and education. It can be discussed under the following headings :-

Philosophy and objectives of education :

A system of education is based on a particular philosophy. This philosophy makes the nation acquainted with the national ideology of life. A system of education is developed for the acquisition of particular objectives. This is the function of philosophy to determine the objectives of education corresponding to the national values and traditions. Education is just a course of action to attain the objectives set by the philosophy. To me, philosophy is the ideological foundation of a system of education and objectives of education are decided in the light of this ideological and philosophical foundation.

Philosophy and classification of educational objectives :

Philosophy not only determines the objectives of education but also classifies, modifies and categorizes them according to the conditions and needs of the time. Education is a social act. When the social needs change it leads to the changes in the objectives of education. The classification and modification is conducted in the light of national philosophy of life.
This is the duty of philosophy to decide :
Which aim is of foremost importance?
When an objective is to be achieved?
And which objectives will be useless after a particular period?

Philosophy and sources of knowledge :

The question of sources of knowledge is significant in a system of education. No system of education can become meaningful without decision of the selection of sources of knowledge. Philosophy of education decides the sources of knowledge in the light of national life ideology. No secular society will recommend revelation in place of reason and sensations as a source of knowledge. Sources of knowledge are directly connected with the philosophy of education. Determination of sources of knowledge in the light of life philosophy is a significant concern of education. This is the function of philosophy of education to determine the sources of knowledge in the light of national values and traditions and absorb them into the system of education.

Philosophy and curriculum :

When the aims of education are decided by philosophy, a new question arises how to realize these aims. Curriculum development is also the function of philosophy. Philosophy extends valuable services in this regard. Curriculum development for different level of schooling is not possible without the application of the general principles of philosophy of education. The objectives of education cannot be realized without the curriculum development.
Philosophy of education provides the guiding principles for deciding the content of curriculum. This is obligatory to philosophy to decide the content in the light of life ideology of a nation. In this way, the process of curriculum development can be a means of realization of the objectives of education. Philosophy of education can only determines the objectives of education but also determines the content of education. So to say, philosophy decides the activities and experiences which are supposed to meet the emerging demands of the society. These particular demands are softly termed as the objectives of education.

Philosophy and methods of teaching :

To me, effective teaching is essential for effective instruction. By means of effective teaching, the curricular content may be transmitted to the student and thereby ensure the acquisition of the objectives of education. A teacher employs various methods of teaching to make his/her teaching effective and durable. Philosophy guides the educative process in connection with the methods of teaching. The methods of teaching are decided and selected in the light of philosophy of education. The democratic societies recommend those methods of teaching, in the educative process, which promote the individual abilities of the students. The non-democratic societies do not recommend project method of teaching and discussion method of teaching in the educative process. Education becomes palatable only if it conforms to the developmental and psychological needs of the students. We already know that aims of education seek guidance from the philosophy of education. The methods of teachings are the means through which the aims of education can be realized. For this reason, philosophy of education and methods of teachings are Closely related and depend on each other.

Philosophy and educational administration :

This is the responsibility of philosophy of education to provide fundamental principles for maintaining discipline in the educational institutions. In the democratic societies, the school administration would follow the democratic attitudes and conducts. On the other hand, there would be a dictatorial style of school administration in the non-democratic societies. A teacher has to face various problems of discipline in the educational settings. Regarding the nature of discipline, the philosophers differ in their views. The conservative are of the opinion that human nature has evil tendencies. Therefore, strict discipline in schools is essential to assist the child to become disciplined. The liberals reject the traditional notion of authority. They hold that the teacher is not an absolute authority. He is an integral part of the educative process. He possesses rich experiences but he has no right to control the creativity of the students.

Philosophy and the role of teacher :

A teacher enjoys a pivotal status in a system of education. This is the philosophy of education which explains the role of teacher. Some systems of education declare the central Status of the teacher. On contrary, some others hold that learner is the pivot of the educative process.
What is the status of a teacher and a student in the educative process?
This question is concerned with the philosophy of education. This is the function of philosophy to determine the status of a teacher in the system of education. According to the democratic ideology of life, learner is the focus of the system of education whereas teacher is a central figure and spiritual father in the system of education.

Philosophy and evaluation :

Evaluation is a device through which a teacher can get an exact idea of what the students achieve from their learning experiences. There is a visible controversy about testing and grading of the students in the educative process. The thinkers, who support the conservative views on evaluation are of the opinion that the intellectual development of the students can only be judged in terms of their mastery of the curricular content. The liberal thinkers, lay emphasis on development of the overall personality of the child. They are not concerned only with the academic development of the student. They take the help of the varieties of methods of techniques to measure the personality of the students. In this sense, evaluation becomes a problem of philosophical analysis which must be conducted under careful and controlled conditions.

Philosophy and textbooks :

Development and choice of textbooks is also a concern of philosophy. A textbook must cater to the needs of the society as prescribed in the objectives of education. The role of philosophy of education cannot be denied in the development of a textbook. Philosophy provides the guiding principles on which the content fer a textbook is selected and arranged. The developer of a textbook has to take into account the philosophical foundations of the system of education of j the country. Without the consideration of philosophy of education, a textbook is a pack of information which has no social value.

The word ‘philosophy’ is composed of the two Greek words ‘philien’ or ‘philo" and ‘Sophia’ or ‘sophos‘ meaning ‘love’ and ‘wisdom’ respectively. Thus, philosophy is love for wisdom. Philosophy is a deliberate attempt of understanding the facts of the world outside.

Philosophy refers to knowledge concerned with the discovery of truth.
Philosophy is an endeavor of discovering the secrets of the universe in an integrated manner.
Philosophy refers to the acquisition of wisdom which influences the role of life.
Philosophy is an activity which conducts independent research. It extends doubts to the established traditions. It looks into the hidden aspects of those hypotheses that have been accepted by mankind without any valid reason.
Philosophy is the study of the most general and abstract features of the world and categories with which we think.
Philosophy is the general study of values, ethics, logical thinking and theoretical speculation about the nature or reality and reason.
Philosophy is the study of knowledge, reality and human nature.
Philosophy is concerned with the study of forms of thought and argument and the grounds of knowledge in other subjects.
Philosophy is the activity of clarifying our ideas in the light of wisdom.
Philosophy is the activity of presenting, interpreting and clarifying ideas and human problems in the light of wisdom.
Philosophy is an academic research which is conducted for solving the problems of universe and mankind.
Philosophy is a conscious attempt which answers to the metaphysical questions after careful intellectual considerations. Let us see the scope (branches) of philosophy in the following lines :-

Metaphysics (ontology) :

Metaphysics refers to an outlook of an individual or a motion concerning God, Man and Universe. As a branch of philosophy, it also explains the relationship among them. It is also called ontology. The metaphysical concepts are visibly reflected in the traditions and customs of a Society. Metaphysics directly concerned with the questions belonging to the nature of the universe. It is concerned with all those things which exist. It also raise question regarding the existence and non-existence of God. This is also a significant subject of metaphysics to discover the nature of life, death and the life after death. It also searches for the

purposes behind the creations of the universe. What is the relationship between Man and Universe? What is the object of human creation? What would be the nature of rebirth? These questions and many other questions of this type are considered to be the basic functions of metaphysics.

AxioIogy :

Axiology refers to the area of philosophy that examines value issues especially in ethics and aesthetics. This area of philosophy tells a nation about good and evil. Axiology is very much concerned with values. To me, axiology is the science of value. It discusses value from the philosophical point of view.

Its main problems are :

What is value?

What are the primary values?

What is good? What is reality?

What is the fountainhead of values?

What is the nature of values?

Are values subjective or objective in nature?

Are values permanent or temporary?

We cannot solve the problems regarding values without discussing the aforesaid problems. Axiology, primarily, decides good and bad for an individual and a nation. It set the standards of good and bad. All of our social life largely rests on this branch of philosophy.

Epistemology :

Epistemology refers to the part of philosophy that deals with the sources, limitations, contingencies and nature of knowledge.

It also refers to the theory of knowledge that answers questions such as :

what is knowledge?

And what is the difference between knowledge and opinion?

To me, epistemology is the science of knowledge and truth. Its problems are primarily concerned with the process of knowledge. It is strange that so many intellectuals and academicians are busy in the acquisition of knowledge. There are very few Who think over the general questions concerning the nature of knowledge, its limitations and the relation of know-er with he known. The questions of this type are raised in the field of epistemology. Thus, epistemology provides and discusses basic foundations of knowledge. Epistemology is also termed as original philosophy. As a branch of philosophy, it explains and establishes the relationship between Man and God. It critically evaluates the nature, limits, sources and validity of knowledge. It has significantly served humanity by categorizing knowledge into various academic disciplines.

In conclusion, it is concerned with the questions like :

What is the fountainhead of knowledge?

What are the sources of knowledge?

What are the limits of knowledge?

What are the measures to check the authenticity of knowledge and what is the relationship between knowledge and the world outside?

Foundations Of Education

Education is a formally organized human social activity. Information, experiences and skills are transmitted to the next generations by means of education. It is a sensitive activity in this regard. It ensures the continuity of academic excellences between the two generations. If there had been no process of education, the whole academic capital would have lost. Being an activity, education is concerned with the national ideology, society, economy and human needs. These concerns of education are the foundations of education. These foundations are taken into account in the educational activities. Every individual has his particular life ideology. He is a member of a particular society as well. He has to participate in the economic activities to earn his livelihood. He has a particular mind set tool. All aspects of an individual s life are considered in the educative process. An individual cannot be parted from these aspects. Education is also concerned with these aspects of human life. Education cannot maintain its survival without the realization of these aspects. In conclusion, I can say that foundations education are, in fact, the foundations of life which prove justification and formation to the process of education.

Foundations of education are the motives and factors which are considered during the construction and organization of various elements of education.

Foundations of education refer to those fundamental factors, which influence the structure and organization of various elements of education e.g. objectives, curriculum, teaching methods and evaluation.
Foundations of education refer to those aspects of individual and collective life which are taken into account while constructing a system of education for a nation e.g. ideological foundation of education, social foundation of education and psychological foundation of education etc. The significant types of foundations of education are the following :-

Ideological foundation of education :

The ideological foundation of education is concerned with the life ideology of the individuals. Education takes the life ideology of a nation into account for the acquisition of national objectives.

To me, ideological foundation of education refers to those fundamental thoughts and ideals which are significantly considered during the development of a system of education.

Philosophical foundation of education :

Philosophy clarifies an individual’s concepts regarding Man, God and Universe. Besides this, philosophy provides essential conceptual and practical guidance to the individuals about various fields of life. Education of a nation works under the direction of philosophy. This is the truth which tells that philosophy is a significant foundation of the educative process.

To me, philosophical foundation of education refers to the development of a system of education for a nation in the light of national life philosophy. This foundation of education decides the destination of a system of education.

Psychological foundation of education :

Psychology is the study of human behavior and mind. All the individuals vary in interests, liking and natural tendencies. It seems necessary that the individual differences must be considered during the educative process. The use of psychological principles and the consideration of the individual differences during the educative process are, in fact, the acknowledgement of the role of psychology in the educative process.

To me, psychological foundation of education means the application of psychological principles during the process of learning and instruction so as to satisfy the psychological needs and natural tendencies of the students.

Social foundation of education :

Society and individual are interdependent and interrelated. No individual can lead a successful life without society. The social needs of the individual are taken into account in the educative process. Education aims at social training of the individual in the fashion that enables him a useful citizen. This social struggle of education for an individual is called social foundation of education. According to my viewpoint, social foundation of education refers to consideration of social needs of the individuals during the development of a system of education.

Economic foundation of education :

All individuals engage themselves in economic activities to lead a balance and prosperous life. In this regard, this is the responsibility of education to develop the abilities of the individual in such a way that they may get benefit of the economic opportunities. Education enables the individual to participate in the money-making activities and thereby strengthen their financial conditions. The idea of economic training of an individual is, in fact, the economic foundation of education.

In my opinion, Economic foundation of education refers to consideration of financial needs of individual and society during the development of a system of education for a nation. This foundation of education paves the way to stable and developed society.

Professional education involves the training programs by which individuals are equipped with various skills so as to adopt various professions.

Professional education refers to those formal programs Which enables the individuals to participate in the lawful and productive economic activities. Professional education is a sum total of those activities which develop the psychomotor abilities of the individuals. In the present days, following are the significant types of professional education :-

Medicine education :

Medicine education is concerned with keeping the people healthy and treating the diseases. This education is necessary for maintaining healthy and hygienic environment and society. The significance of medicine education is explained in the following lines:-

This education takes steps to keep the individuals of the society healthy.

This education prepares the individuals who play their role in maintaining hygienic environment.

Medicine education takes practical measures to prevent the members of society from diseases.

Business education :

Business education is concerned with the acquaintance of business techniques, administrative strategies and business promotion. There is a significant role of business education in the economic development. The advantages of business education are listed below :-

Business education produces such individuals who bring about commercial activities.

Business education helps in controlling unemployment in the country.

Engineering education :

Engineering education is concerned with equipping the individuals with those practical skills which enable to conform to the demands of life. According to some other experts, industrial development oriented education is engineering education such as electrical engineering education, civil engineering education and mechanical engineering education. Engineering education is significant due to the following resources :-

Engineering education plays an important role in economic and industrial development.

Engineering education produces competent and skilled individuals.

This education can shape an individual according to the fashion and needs of the environment.

Agriculture education :

Agriculture education is concerned with agricultural development and production of agriculture experts.

This education is, especially, significant for those countries whose economy is agri-based. Agriculture education is
ranged in agriculture colleges and agriculture universities. This education is important due to the following reasons :-

It increases the agricultural development of the country.

It increases the agriculture production.

It provides agri awareness in the farmers.

It minimizes the agricultural losses due to research in the agriculture field.

Law education :

Law education is concerned with the knowledge of those laws which are devised for social peace and state administration.

The terms like advocate, law expert and solicitor are used for the law graduate individuals. The significance of the education can be described in the following points :-

This education makes the individual aware of state and civil laws.

It promote the sense of civil rights and duties.

It enables an individual to speak for the rights of others.

Home economics education :

Home economics education refers to produce such skills in women which enable them performing the affairs of household, children upbringing, interior decoration and home budget. This education is significant due to the following reason :-

It develops the social and economic vision of the women.

It enables the women to play their social role.

It enables the women to bring up the new generation in a better way.

Teacher education :

Teacher education is concerned with the training of teachers so that they may learn the requirements and various foundations of the learning and instructional process. It is necessary that the teacher must be professionally trained and this training should be conducted in the formally established institutions. Teacher
education is significant due to the following reasons :-

It enables the teachers to know the fundamentals of the educative process.

It makes the teachers professionally trained.

A teacher can demonstrate all of his abilities only if he/she is acquainted with the components of teacher education.

Information education :

Information education ranges from organization of data to the provision of information. Computer is the most significance source of information education. Computer is playing an important role in the communication of information, composing, designing and diagnose of diseases. The internet has turned the world into a global village. The role of information education can be explained in the following headings :-

It is a great access to the information.

It has minimized the distances among the countries and the individuals as well.

It has given new visions to the fields of composing, designing and graphics.

It has reduced the burden of the accountants and maintained accounts in a scientific manner.

General education is administered by a formal system. This education aims at developing the abilities of the individual and enable them participate in the development of the country in a prestigious manner. For the convenience of administration and consideration of psychological principles, general education is categorized into the following three levels :-

Elementary level :

Elementary level is the first phase of general education. This is the start of formal education. This level, usually, consists of eight year of education. This level can be further divided into primary level and post-primary level. Elementary education enables a child to learn basic skill, fundamental knowledge of language and the basic social values.

Secondary level :

Secondary education is the second phase of general education. This level of education decides a clear direction for an individual. It also decides the profession for the individuals according to their natural tendencies. This level is further divided into post-secondary level and higher secondary level. According to the educationists, this level of education provides necessary grounds for entering higher education.

Higher level :

Higher education is the final phase of general education. It provides experts, intelligentsia, intellectuals, leaders and authorities in various fields of life. This phase is further divided into four categories of graduation level, post-graduation level, doctoral level and post-doctoral level. This level of education is conducted in colleges and universities.

General education refers to the organized educational programs which aim promotion, preservation and transmission of national values, ideologies and culture.

General education is a combination of those formal opportunities which bring about behavioral changes in the individual. Here is a comprehensive account of the general functions of general education :-

It preserved the culture and civilization of a Society.

It promotes literacy in the society.

It enables the individual to conform to the social demands.

It transmits the cultural heritage and academic: excellence's to the next generations.

It makes the life ideology and social values as the part of individual’s behavior.

It develops all aspects of national life.

It serves as a source of fulfilling the individual and collective objectives.

It enables the individuals to participate in the national development.

It expands the information of the individuals and thereby raises the academic standards.

It produces social stability following the harmony between individual and a society.

It paves the way to social peace and integrity by developing the insight of the individuals.

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