Assignment 2
(EXCEPTIONAL ANSWERS)
Due June 2025
, HED4804
Assignment 2
Due June 2025
Philosophy in Education: Conceptualising (African) Philosophy of Education as
the Creation of Concepts-in-Place
Introduction
In an era characterized by profound complexity—marked by cultural plurality, rapid
technological change, and socio-political upheavals—philosophy remains an essential
tool for critically engaging with the purpose, methods, and outcomes of education. It
provides a reflective lens through which educators can navigate the challenges of
fostering meaningful learning environments that are ethically sound and socially
relevant. This essay conceptualizes (African) philosophy of education as the creation of
concepts-in-place, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between context, ideas, and
philosophical inquiry. By grounding educational concepts within specific geographical,
cultural, and historical spaces, this approach fosters a responsible and responsive
pedagogical stance suited to the diverse realities of African societies and the globalized
world.
Philosophy and Its Significance in Education
Philosophy, derived from the Greek philosophia—meaning "love of wisdom"—is a
systematic pursuit of understanding fundamental questions concerning existence,
knowledge, values, and human purpose (Dewey, 1916). It involves critical reflection,
reasoned inquiry, and the interrogation of assumptions that underpin our beliefs and
practices. In the context of education, philosophy is vital because it shapes the aims,
content, and pedagogical strategies employed within learning environments. Without
philosophical engagement, education risks devolving into a mechanistic process
detached from the lived realities and cultural identities of learners. Dewey (1916)