SEMESTER 1
2025
PDU3701
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: ...............2025
, PDU3701
Assignment 3 2025
Question 1: Name TWO philosophers who were associated with
Phenomenology. (Refer to pages 62-63 of Philosophy in Education Today:
An Introduction)
Hans-Georg Gadamer (1900–2002)
Shaun Gallagher (2011- 2014)
Question 2: Identify FIVE characteristics of Phenomenology.
(Refer to pages 64 of Philosophy in Education Today: An Introduction)
1. Focus on Lived Experience
Phenomenology emphasizes understanding human experiences as they are lived,
without imposing external theories or opinions. It encourages a careful, reflective, and
meditative approach to everything, including education.
2. Suspension of Assumptions (Epoché)
Phenomenologists take nothing for granted and assume nothing. They ask us to focus
on 'what is actually happening'—on the conscious experience we have of whatever it is
we are experiencing. It asks us to put our assumptions and beliefs to one side for a
while.
3. Essence Seeking
Phenomenology claims that our biggest challenge is to confront ourselves in all our
ambiguity and complexity and thus to get nearer to the 'real self'. It asserts that we
should not reduce people to things or objects by ignoring those huge areas of human
experience that we can't see or measure.
2025
PDU3701
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
DUE: ...............2025
, PDU3701
Assignment 3 2025
Question 1: Name TWO philosophers who were associated with
Phenomenology. (Refer to pages 62-63 of Philosophy in Education Today:
An Introduction)
Hans-Georg Gadamer (1900–2002)
Shaun Gallagher (2011- 2014)
Question 2: Identify FIVE characteristics of Phenomenology.
(Refer to pages 64 of Philosophy in Education Today: An Introduction)
1. Focus on Lived Experience
Phenomenology emphasizes understanding human experiences as they are lived,
without imposing external theories or opinions. It encourages a careful, reflective, and
meditative approach to everything, including education.
2. Suspension of Assumptions (Epoché)
Phenomenologists take nothing for granted and assume nothing. They ask us to focus
on 'what is actually happening'—on the conscious experience we have of whatever it is
we are experiencing. It asks us to put our assumptions and beliefs to one side for a
while.
3. Essence Seeking
Phenomenology claims that our biggest challenge is to confront ourselves in all our
ambiguity and complexity and thus to get nearer to the 'real self'. It asserts that we
should not reduce people to things or objects by ignoring those huge areas of human
experience that we can't see or measure.
