1.) Define Philosophy.
“Philosophy” literally means the “love of wisdom.. “In a broad sense, philosophy is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationships to the world and to each other (FSU, Dept. of Philosophy).”[1]
Where in our schools do we see students seeking fundamental truths about humanity and the world in which they live?
Answers might include in religion class discussions or while discussing the challenges and trials of specific characters in a literature class, in history or social studies class, psychology classes, and so forth.
2.) Describe the two branches of theology mentioned in the article.
The first is philosophical theology or “natural theology,” which is an approach that “uses natural reason to explore the greatest of all questions, the questions about God.” Natural theology is a “program of inquiry into the existence and attributes of God without referring or appealing to any divine revelation” (IEP).[2]
The second is religious theology or “revealed theology” which is a “rational exploration of the meaning and consequences of faith in a revealed religion – in our case, the ‘deposit of faith’ or ‘Sacred Tradition’ of the Catholic Church which comes from Christ and His apostles, and the scriptures they wrote.”
Where do we find both of these approaches used within schools?
The first, philosophical theology, we will rarely find in Catholic elementary or middle schools but might find in a high school moral theology class or scientific topics course.
The second, religious theology, is the theology taught in K-12 religion classes.
3.) What is the goal of education?
According to Aristotle there are 3 purposes, ends, or reasons for education: Productive, Practical, and Theoretical.
Productive(technology) – “to produce things, to make, improve or repair material things in the world, and thus improve our world.” Contemporary examples include all types of engineering or electronics.
Practical– “to improve your own behavior in some area of your own life,” such as ethics and politics (as in living a good life within the community). Examples include economics, athletics, development, and writing.
Theoretical(speculative or contemplative) – to seek knowledge for the sake of acquiring knowledge itself. Example are theology, philosophy, and astronomy.
The end and goal of theoretical knowledge is most intimate to us because this knowledge “perfects our very selves, our souls, our mind”; it equates to the ultimate end of education, the perfection of the human person. This knowledge “makes us bigger persons.” Education’s end, in this sense, is the growth of one’s mind, body, and total being. The other approaches to education are pragmatic and peripheral, or means, to fulfill human flourishing.
Thought Provokers
Why do we educate children in our schools? Is it productive, practical, or theoretical? Answers will vary.
What is the end or goal of Catholic education?
The goal of Catholic education is the “critical, systematic transmission of culture in the light of faith” and the integral formation of the human person by developing each student’s physical, moral, intellectual, and spiritual gifts in harmony, teaching responsibility and the right use of freedom, and preparing students to fulfill God’s calling in this world and to attain the eternal kingdom for which they were created.[3]
Why do you think the church has a history and preference of working with inner-city youth?
Is the end goal any different for inner-city youth than for others in different socio-economic backgrounds?
4.) What is the point, purpose, and end of existence?
To know, love, and serve God.
5.) How do we know God?
Through the study of Theology. Other answers are prayer, scripture, Sacraments.
Thought Provoker
What is your personal philosophy of education?
Examples are: Behaviorist, Pragmatist, Utilitarian, Personalist, Humanist.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_education as a resource.
Does your personal philosophy of education lead you (and your students) to God? How? Answers will vary.
Revealed theology (Catholic doctrine and teachings, the Gospel, etc.) provides answers to many philosophical questions, yet these answers must be dissected and analyzed, clarified and integrated, into our total life and world perspective if we are to grow in the Truth. Philosophy assists us with that inquiry.
|
[1]The major divisions of philosophy are Metaphysics (the study of the nature of reality, what exists in the world and how it is ordered), Epistemology (the study of knowledge), Ethics (the nature of moral judgements: basis for judgements, content of judgement, and application of judgements), Logic (the nature and structure of arguments), and Aesthetics (the nature and study of beauty).https://philosophy.fsu.edu/undergraduate-study/why-philosophy/What-is-Philosophy
All quotes are from the respective document under study unless otherwise specified.
[2]Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://www.iep.utm.edu/theo-nat/
[3]Overview of the Principles: Principle I - Inspired by Divine Mission.Retrieved from https://newmansociety.org/principles-catholic-identity-education/overview/
Comments
Post a Comment