ESC3701
ASSIGNMENT 1
2023
WELL ELABORATE
ANSWERS
, ESC3701 Assignment 1 2023
African philosophy and an African philosophy of education
QUESTION 1
Discuss the central ethical idea in African philosophy and its contribution to
formal schooling or education.
The central ethical idea in African philosophy is the concept of Ubuntu, which
means "I am because we are." It is a philosophy that emphasizes the
interconnectedness of all living beings and highlights the importance of
community and cooperation. Ubuntu encourages individuals to live in harmony
with others, to show empathy and compassion, and to seek the common good. This
philosophy has significant implications for formal schooling or education. It
promotes the creation of learning environments that prioritize collaboration and
social interaction, and it emphasizes the importance of teaching values such as
respect, empathy, and solidarity. Ubuntu can also inspire educators to design
learning experiences that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-
solving, and that encourage learners to develop a sense of responsibility towards
their communities and the environment.
Empiricism and an Empirical philosophy of Education
QUESTION 2
According to Higgs and Letseka (2022), “In education, Empiricism insists
that teaching and learning can only occur in those subjects that provide
humankind with ‘real knowledge’. What is your opinion on this statement?
The statement by Higgs and Letseka suggests that Empiricism believes that only
subjects that provide "real knowledge" are suitable for teaching and learning.
While Empiricism does value knowledge derived from observation and experience,
this statement seems to imply that other subjects, such as the arts and humanities,
are not valuable for teaching and learning. However, this view is overly narrow
and ignores the fact that education is about more than just acquiring knowledge.
Education should also promote the development of skills, values, and attitudes that
prepare learners for their roles in society. Therefore, while Empiricism has a role to
play in education, it should not be the only perspective that guides teaching and
learning.
ASSIGNMENT 1
2023
WELL ELABORATE
ANSWERS
, ESC3701 Assignment 1 2023
African philosophy and an African philosophy of education
QUESTION 1
Discuss the central ethical idea in African philosophy and its contribution to
formal schooling or education.
The central ethical idea in African philosophy is the concept of Ubuntu, which
means "I am because we are." It is a philosophy that emphasizes the
interconnectedness of all living beings and highlights the importance of
community and cooperation. Ubuntu encourages individuals to live in harmony
with others, to show empathy and compassion, and to seek the common good. This
philosophy has significant implications for formal schooling or education. It
promotes the creation of learning environments that prioritize collaboration and
social interaction, and it emphasizes the importance of teaching values such as
respect, empathy, and solidarity. Ubuntu can also inspire educators to design
learning experiences that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-
solving, and that encourage learners to develop a sense of responsibility towards
their communities and the environment.
Empiricism and an Empirical philosophy of Education
QUESTION 2
According to Higgs and Letseka (2022), “In education, Empiricism insists
that teaching and learning can only occur in those subjects that provide
humankind with ‘real knowledge’. What is your opinion on this statement?
The statement by Higgs and Letseka suggests that Empiricism believes that only
subjects that provide "real knowledge" are suitable for teaching and learning.
While Empiricism does value knowledge derived from observation and experience,
this statement seems to imply that other subjects, such as the arts and humanities,
are not valuable for teaching and learning. However, this view is overly narrow
and ignores the fact that education is about more than just acquiring knowledge.
Education should also promote the development of skills, values, and attitudes that
prepare learners for their roles in society. Therefore, while Empiricism has a role to
play in education, it should not be the only perspective that guides teaching and
learning.
