ON THE TOPIC:
SUCCINTLY DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN WESTERN AND AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
SUBMITTED TO THE LECTURER: DR MARK LEIGHA
2015/2016 NTI PGDE PROGRAMME
TOPIC: SUCCINTLY DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN WESTERN AND AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Philosophy of Education according to Okoh (1992) is the application of philosophical truths of principles using the theory and practice of education. In its technical sense, philosophy of education is a systematic study of the metaphysics, axiology and epistemology of education.
The above view is in line with Akinpelu (1981) position that the philosophy of education must be formulated on the basis of nature of man and the society as considered by that society (metaphysics).It should also be based on what that society considers to be the type of knowledge with acquiring and how best it could be acquired (epistemology). The same should further rest on the value system of what is considered most valuable (axiology).
The above therefore corresponds with Akinpelu’s criteria for education. However, Ezewu (1993) argued that the philosophy of education is that branch of general philosophy in which fundamental questions about education as a discipline and as a social institution of society are asked and attempts are made to answer them.
Therefore, philosophy is the mirror by which people examine themselves. It provides the focus and torchlight to which the people move. A people’s philosophy may be documented, observed or expressed verbally .The most widely developed and normally documented philosophy in the world is the Western philosophy. This record dates back to about 600 years before the birth of Christ (BC).
African philosophical reflections and view were