PSE4801
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, PSE4801 – Assignment 1
1. African Philosophy and Education
1.1 Define African philosophy
African philosophy is a form of reflective inquiry grounded in African cultural contexts,
values, and experiences. It draws from oral traditions, community practices, and
indigenous knowledge systems to explore meaning, knowledge, and human existence
from an African perspective.
1.2 Explain why Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted the view of “mutual
attunement”
Waghid and Higgs (2017) support the concept of mutual attunement to promote
inclusive, dialogue-based education rooted in African philosophy. This idea aligns with
ubuntu, which emphasizes interconnectedness and the belief that individuals flourish
through shared learning and empathy. Their approach encourages cooperative
engagement and a sense of educational community.
2. Pragmatism and Education
2.1 Show how “experience” of pragmatism has been challenged by pragmatists
such as Rorty
Richard Rorty critiqued the classical pragmatist reliance on direct experience as a basis
for knowledge. He argued that knowledge is not objective but rather shaped by
language, social context, and interpretation. Rorty moved the focus from individual
experiences to communal discourse and contingent truths.
2.2 Name a former educator whom you consider to be a pragmatist in his or her
teaching approach and explain why
John Dewey exemplifies the pragmatist approach to education. He emphasized
experiential learning, where students engage with real-world problems. Dewey believed
that education should be interactive, student-centered, and continuously evolving based
on practical outcomes and reflective thinking.
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MAY 2025
, PSE4801 – Assignment 1
1. African Philosophy and Education
1.1 Define African philosophy
African philosophy is a form of reflective inquiry grounded in African cultural contexts,
values, and experiences. It draws from oral traditions, community practices, and
indigenous knowledge systems to explore meaning, knowledge, and human existence
from an African perspective.
1.2 Explain why Waghid and Higgs (2017) adopted the view of “mutual
attunement”
Waghid and Higgs (2017) support the concept of mutual attunement to promote
inclusive, dialogue-based education rooted in African philosophy. This idea aligns with
ubuntu, which emphasizes interconnectedness and the belief that individuals flourish
through shared learning and empathy. Their approach encourages cooperative
engagement and a sense of educational community.
2. Pragmatism and Education
2.1 Show how “experience” of pragmatism has been challenged by pragmatists
such as Rorty
Richard Rorty critiqued the classical pragmatist reliance on direct experience as a basis
for knowledge. He argued that knowledge is not objective but rather shaped by
language, social context, and interpretation. Rorty moved the focus from individual
experiences to communal discourse and contingent truths.
2.2 Name a former educator whom you consider to be a pragmatist in his or her
teaching approach and explain why
John Dewey exemplifies the pragmatist approach to education. He emphasized
experiential learning, where students engage with real-world problems. Dewey believed
that education should be interactive, student-centered, and continuously evolving based
on practical outcomes and reflective thinking.
