It should come as no surprise that in a conversation pertaining to educational philosophy, conservative fundamental Christians tend to lean toward the traditional. The traditional philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and Thomas Aquinas resonate more with Christian sensibilities. While an individual with a biblical worldview will find more in common with traditional philosophies, he would do well to analyze the more modern philosophies of pragmatism and existentialism through the lens of Scripture, accept those ideas which align, and reject those that do not. John Dewey, pragmatist Pragmatism holds to the view that flexibility due to an ever-changing society is the key to education. John Dewey’s man-centered humanistic thought serves as the foundation of pragmatism. A pragmatist holds that right and wrong constantly change based on what works to solve a particular problem. In the classroom, this view is evidenced through a very child-centered approach, a lack of a strong au
Plato (428-347 B.C.) and his student Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) are two of Greek’s greatest thinkers. Plato’s thoughts have given society the philosophical framework referred to as idealism which teaches that truth and reality are found in an external and eternal ideal. His student Aristotle rejected many of the tenets formulated by his teacher and built the philosophical system called realism which teaches that reality and truth are found in the physical matter of nature. Although a discerning Christian will not embrace either philosophy wholeheartedly, he can benefit from evaluating them both on a scriptural basis. Both idealism and realism have aspects that are consistent with biblical principles and aspects that stand in opposition to them. The value of both philosophies is found in their alignment with what is revealed in God’s Word. Plato taught that the physical matter of the world was not reality but rather a reflection or shadow of the concept of perfect idealism.