H0PEACADEMY
HED4804
Assignment 7: Philosophy in Education
Test Paper
Open 7pm -11pm DUE 2 DECEMBER 2025
2025
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Define "philosophising in education" and distinguish it from
"common sense."
Philosophising in education refers to the practice of critically
examining the foundational ideas, assumptions, and values that
shape educational systems,…………………………………..
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, HED4804 Assignment 7: Philosophy in Education Test Paper
Open 7pm -11pm DUE 2 DECEMBER 2025
SECTION A: Short Questions (40 Marks)
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Define "philosophising in education" and distinguish it from "common sense."
Philosophising in education refers to the practice of critically examining the
foundational ideas, assumptions, and values that shape educational systems,
policies, and practices. It involves questioning why education is structured the
way it is, what purposes it should serve, and how concepts such as knowledge,
equality, discipline, and learning should be understood. Philosophising requires
deep reflection, logical reasoning, and engagement with different philosophical
perspectives. It encourages educators and learners to think beyond surface-level
explanations and challenge taken-for-granted beliefs.In contrast, common sense
refers to everyday, intuitive beliefs that people accept without question. These
ideas are often shaped by cultural norms, personal experiences, and
societalexpectations rather than critical analysis. Common sense might offer
quick, practical solutions, but it does not typically ask deeper “why” questions.
For example, common sense may assume that the teacher must always be the
authority, while philosophising asks whether authority is necessary for learning
and what alternative relationships might look like.
Therefore, philosophising in education moves beyond habitual thinking by
examining the moral, social, and epistemological foundations of educational
practice. It transforms ordinary assumptions into topics for inquiry, encouraging
educators to adopt reflective, purposeful, and theoretically informed approaches
to teaching and learning.
Question 2 (10 Marks)
According to the module, an "event" can trigger philosophical thought. Using
the example of the #FeesMustFall movement, explain how such an event forces
a rethinking of fundamental educational questions.
HED4804
Assignment 7: Philosophy in Education
Test Paper
Open 7pm -11pm DUE 2 DECEMBER 2025
2025
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Define "philosophising in education" and distinguish it from
"common sense."
Philosophising in education refers to the practice of critically
examining the foundational ideas, assumptions, and values that
shape educational systems,…………………………………..
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, HED4804 Assignment 7: Philosophy in Education Test Paper
Open 7pm -11pm DUE 2 DECEMBER 2025
SECTION A: Short Questions (40 Marks)
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Define "philosophising in education" and distinguish it from "common sense."
Philosophising in education refers to the practice of critically examining the
foundational ideas, assumptions, and values that shape educational systems,
policies, and practices. It involves questioning why education is structured the
way it is, what purposes it should serve, and how concepts such as knowledge,
equality, discipline, and learning should be understood. Philosophising requires
deep reflection, logical reasoning, and engagement with different philosophical
perspectives. It encourages educators and learners to think beyond surface-level
explanations and challenge taken-for-granted beliefs.In contrast, common sense
refers to everyday, intuitive beliefs that people accept without question. These
ideas are often shaped by cultural norms, personal experiences, and
societalexpectations rather than critical analysis. Common sense might offer
quick, practical solutions, but it does not typically ask deeper “why” questions.
For example, common sense may assume that the teacher must always be the
authority, while philosophising asks whether authority is necessary for learning
and what alternative relationships might look like.
Therefore, philosophising in education moves beyond habitual thinking by
examining the moral, social, and epistemological foundations of educational
practice. It transforms ordinary assumptions into topics for inquiry, encouraging
educators to adopt reflective, purposeful, and theoretically informed approaches
to teaching and learning.
Question 2 (10 Marks)
According to the module, an "event" can trigger philosophical thought. Using
the example of the #FeesMustFall movement, explain how such an event forces
a rethinking of fundamental educational questions.
