FOED7411 Learning Unit 1: Introduction to Philosophy and Education

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions and key concepts of Philosophy, its origins, and its application within educational contexts and global perspectives.

Philosophy

Derived from the Greek words "philo" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), meaning the love of wisdom; it is a search for meaning through questioning what is real, debating right and wrong, and reflecting on how we should live.

Philo

The Greek word meaning "love."

Sophia

The Greek word meaning "wisdom."

Wonder

Described as the "engine of learning," it is the starting point of philosophy where curiosity leads to deeper questions and a refusal of simple answers.

Idealism

A philosophical perspective teaching that reality is shaped by ideas, truth exists in universal principles, and the mind and reasoning are central to gaining knowledge.

Realism

A philosophical perspective teaching that reality exists independently of the mind and that knowledge is discovered through experience, observation, and the senses.

Metaphysics

The branch of philosophy that asks "What is real?" and considers whether reality is rooted in ideas or the physical world.

Epistemology

The branch of philosophy concerned with "How do we know?", exploring whether truth is discovered through reasoning (Idealism) or observation (Realism).

Philosophy of education

The study of the purpose of education, the nature of knowledge in schools, the role of the teacher, and the values and beliefs that guide schooling.

Philosophical agent

A concept viewing teachers not just as policy implementers, but as professionals who interpret rules through ethical judgment and philosophical reflection.

Unexamined beliefs

A state of teaching on "autopilot" where a teacher follows rules blindly and repeats practices without understanding, potentially reproducing inequality unintentionally.

Cultural mediator

The role of a teacher in bridging different worlds, such as home culture versus school culture, and global knowledge versus local experience.

Inclusive education

A philosophical commitment to dignity and belonging that addresses diversity in language, culture, religion, gender, and socio-economic status, rather than just physical disability.

Micro-dilemma

A classroom situation or decision with no easy answer that requires philosophical reasoning to determine the right course of action.