What is Philosophy:

Is a field of inquiry that attempts to help individuals evaluate, in a satisfying & meaningful manner, their relationships to the universe.



Helps people evaluate themselves & their world by giving them a basis to deal with problems of life death, good & evil, freedom & restraint, beauty & ugliness.


Philosophy aids in decision –making: moral and values guide our conduct not only in a professional capacity but also in daily living.

The components of philosophy
are:

Metaphysics
Epist o mology
Axiology
Ethics
logic
Aesthetics

Metaphysics:

Metaphysics is associated with the principles of being. The components attempts to answer a series of related questions. What is the meaning of existence? What is real? How are human actions governed? How and why did universe evolve? What is the nature of God?

Epistemology:

Epistemology is concerned with methods of obtaining knowledge and the kinds of knowledge and the kinds of knowledge that can be gained. It is a comprehensive study of knowledge that attempts to define the sources, authority, principles, limitations, and validity of knowledge.

Axiology :

Axiology helps to determine to what use truth is to be put. It asks the questions: how do we determine what has value, and on what criteria is this judgment based?

Ethics :

Is more individualized and personalized subdivision of axiology. It helps to define moral character and serves as a basis for an individual code of conduct. Ethics attempts to answer the question: what is the highest standard of behavior each person strive to attain?

Logic:

Logic seeks to provide human beings with a sound and intelligent method of living and thinking. Logic describes the steps that should be taken in thinking and puts ideas into orderly, structured sequence that lead to accurate thinking; it helps to set up standards by which the accuracy of ideas may be measured.

Aesthetic :

Aesthetic is the study and determination of criteria for beauty in nature and the arts, including dance, drama, sculpture, painting, music, and writing. Aesthetics, which is less scientific branch of axiology, is concerned not only with art but also with the artists and the appreciation of what he or she has created .

Philosophy& P: E. Why have a philosophy?

Philosophy
• one of the most significant outcomes of undergraduate professional preparation will be the development of philosophy of physical education.

• It is important to have a philosophy of physical education.

• Philosophy provides direction, enables us of knowledge and skills learned during professional preparation in the effective manner.

• Promotes the development and clarification of beliefs and values which serve as a foundation for one' s behavior.

• Philosophy is a process of critical examination, reasoning and specualtion undertaken in an effort to arrive at truth and reality.

A philosophy of P. E. Can serve several functions?

1. A philosophy of P. E. Articulates the worth of P. E.

2. A philosophy of P. E. Results in the improvement of professional practices

3. A philosophy of P. E. Is essential to professional education

4. A philosophy of P. E. Guides the professional .

5. A philosophy of P. E. Provides direction for the profession & individual programs.

6. A philosophy of P. E. Makes society aware that P. E contributes to its values.

7. A philosophy of P. E. Aids in bringing members of the profession closer together.

8. A philosophy of P. E. Explains the relationship between P. E. & general education

9. A philosophy of P. E. is essential for all physical educators.

General Philosophies

Idealism
Deals with such general concepts as: the mind is the focus of a person's being.
Values exist independently of individuals & are permanent
When applied to educational thinking:
Education develops the personality of the individual
Knowledge & the development of the mind are important
Education is a process that originates within self.
The curriculum is a creative being who is guided by the teacher. FOR P. E:
P. E involves more than “physical”
Strength & fitness activities contribute to the development of one's personality.
P. E. is centered around ideals
The teacher is a model for students.
The teacher is responsible for the effectiveness of the program
Education is for life.

Realism:
The physical world is the real world.

When applied to area of P. E.:
Education is for life
Physical fitness results in great productivity
Programs are based on scientific knowledge
Play& recreation aid in life adjustment.

Naturalism
Nature is a source of value
Individual is more important than society

For educational thinking:
Education must satisfy the inborn needs of the individual
Students educate themselves

For P. E:
Learning is accomplished through self activity.
Play is an important part of the educational process.
Highly competitive performance between individual is discouraged.
P. E. is concerned with the whole individual

Pragmatism:
Human experience causes changes in the concept of reality.
Success is the only criterion of the value & truth
Individuals are an integral part of a larger society & their actions reflect on that society.
When general principles are applied to educational thinking result in:
Individual learns through experience
Education is for social efficiency
Education is child centered
Problem solving is necessary in a world of change

For P. E.:
More meaningful experiences are presented when activity is varied
Activities are socializing in nature
Learning is accomplished through the problem solving method
Techer is motivator

Naturalism:
Nature is a source of value
Individual is more important than society
For educational thinking
Education must satisfy the inborn needs of the individual
Students educate themselves

For P. E:
Learning is accomplished through self activity
Play is an important part of the educational process
Highly competitive performance between individual is discouraged
P. E. is concerned with th whole individual

Existentialism
Human existence is the only true reality
Individual must determine their own systems of values
Individuals are more important than society
For educational thinking:
Individual discover their “inner-selves”
Education is to teach responsibility

For P. E.:
Freedom of choice exist
Activity should be varied
Play results in development of creativity
Students should know themselves
The teacher is a counselor.

A Humanistic Philosophy

Humanism: be defined as a revolt against depersonalization& the emerge of the belief that a human being is an individual should be treated as such rather than as part of a larger group.

The humanistic philosophy allows for individuals development of talents & total fulfillment

PES 415 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS