PSE4801
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, PSE4801 Assignment 1 (2025).
1. African Philosophy and Education
1.1 Define African philosophy. (5)
African philosophy is the critical and systematic reflection on the cultural and traditional
thought systems of African people. It emphasizes communalism, ubuntu (humaneness),
interconnectedness, and the moral order within African societies.
1.2 Explain why Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted the view of “mutual
attunement”. (5)
Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted "mutual attunement" to promote a philosophy of
education rooted in African traditions of dialogue and collective understanding. This
approach values cooperation, empathy, and shared reasoning, emphasizing learning
through interaction and relational engagement.
2. Pragmatism and Education
2.1 Show how “experience” of pragmatism has been challenged by pragmatists
such as Rorty. (5)
Rorty challenged traditional pragmatist views by rejecting the idea of a fixed or
foundational “experience.” He argued that knowledge is contingent and shaped by
language and social practices, shifting the focus from objective truth to practical
consequences and solidarity.
2.2 Name a former educator whom you consider to be a pragmatist in his or her
teaching approach and explain why. (5)
John Dewey is a prominent pragmatist educator. He emphasized learning through
doing, promoting experiential learning, inquiry, and problem-solving in real-world
contexts. His approach encouraged critical thinking and adaptability in learners.
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, PSE4801 Assignment 1 (2025).
1. African Philosophy and Education
1.1 Define African philosophy. (5)
African philosophy is the critical and systematic reflection on the cultural and traditional
thought systems of African people. It emphasizes communalism, ubuntu (humaneness),
interconnectedness, and the moral order within African societies.
1.2 Explain why Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted the view of “mutual
attunement”. (5)
Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted "mutual attunement" to promote a philosophy of
education rooted in African traditions of dialogue and collective understanding. This
approach values cooperation, empathy, and shared reasoning, emphasizing learning
through interaction and relational engagement.
2. Pragmatism and Education
2.1 Show how “experience” of pragmatism has been challenged by pragmatists
such as Rorty. (5)
Rorty challenged traditional pragmatist views by rejecting the idea of a fixed or
foundational “experience.” He argued that knowledge is contingent and shaped by
language and social practices, shifting the focus from objective truth to practical
consequences and solidarity.
2.2 Name a former educator whom you consider to be a pragmatist in his or her
teaching approach and explain why. (5)
John Dewey is a prominent pragmatist educator. He emphasized learning through
doing, promoting experiential learning, inquiry, and problem-solving in real-world
contexts. His approach encouraged critical thinking and adaptability in learners.
