Question- What are the functions of philosophy of education?

Answer -

Philosophy of education gives original thoughts on different aspects of education. Its main function is to consider the aims of education. Educational philosophy draws the attention of the teachers, the student, the authorities to the different aims of education. More importance is given to the teaching methods, the management of the building, the arrangement of furniture etc. and less care is for the aims. The overall function of educational philosophy is to Answer - all the fundamental questions of education. Another important function of philosophy of education is the all-round development of the personality of the learner. Here what are the different elements included in the all-round development and which element should be given more importance—all these are rightly decided by philosophy of education.

According to Brubacher, the different functions of educational philosophy are as under:

(a) Speculative Function: One important function of philosophy of education is to speculate. That way, it “leads the educator and the educational administrator from common sense approach to rational and perspective approach.” When facts, data, information etc., have been collected, educational philosophy makes assessment of everything. Thus it guides the teacher by giving him an overall view of the whole thing.

(b) Normative Function: The word ‘normative’ comes from the word norm. Philosophy sets the norms, goals, principles, standards etc. By applying these norms, we are able to decide things so as it reaches the right decisions. In the absence of these norms, the teacher or the administrator or the controlling authorities fail to take the right decisions.

(c) Critical Function: Dealing critically with different aspects of education is another important function of educational philosophy. That way, it examines the contents, the methodology in the sphere of education and refines it, modifies it to make it fully suitable.

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