Bases are the pillars upon which the building lies.

The building of
Education also has several bases. The current chapter however, discusses
the three main bases of education namely the philosophical base, the
psychological base and the sociological base. By going through the chapter
you will be able
· To understand the meaning of philosophical, psychological and
sociological bases of education.
· To relate these branches to different mode of life.
· To interrelate philosophy, psychology and sociology to education and
its different components.
· To develop analytical thinking by relating different disciplines to
educations.
Since the inception of this world man has been constantly trying to know the
truth. This “knowing” is philosophy. It is philosophy, which has interpreted
man and his activity in general. Human life cannot properly be understood
without philosophy. There is close relationship between philosophy and life.
Conception of life originates from philosophy. Philosophy gives self-
consciousness and develops a spirit of enquiry after truth. Life and
education are inseparably connected. One cannot be separated from the
other. Hence life has a philosophical base and so education also has a
philosophical base.
Meaning and Nature of Philosophy
Etymologically, the word Philosophy has been derived from two Greek
words “Philo” (love) and “Sophia” (wisdom) means love of wisdom. Wisdom
is not the same thing as knowledge. Knowledge can be acquired, but wisdom
is realized truth. Philosophy is love for the truth and a life’s necessity.
Education in the widest sense of the term is life itself and, in a narrow sense
it is the preparation for complete living. Philosophy provides a consistent
and comprehensive interpretation of life and defines its goals. It helps us to
understand the significance of all human experience and activity. It explores
the base and aims of life. It is a logical enquiry into the nature of reality.
Philosophy tries to answer the deepest question of life. It clarifies life and
its base values. Philosophy means points of view concerning purposes and
values according to which man tries to live. With the help of philosophy man
can understand himself and his relation to the rest of the universe, his origin
and his destiny. Philosophy means attitude to life without which man cannot
live. Philosophy indicates a certain way of life. Philosophy is an attempt to
explain and appreciate life and the universe as a whole. According to
Dewey, philosophy signifies “a wisdom that would influence the conduct of
life”. According to Raymont, “philosophy is an unceasing effort to discern
the general truth that lies behind the particular facts.” All these
philosophers had their own philosophies, beliefs and values. Thus beliefs,
values and ideals mould and direct human activity. Education is nothing but
human effort and activity. Philosophy, therefore, is inseparable from
education.
Meaning and Nature of Education
Education is the process of development of the child or the
individual. It is a life-long process. Education tries to develop the innate
potentialities of the individual in a harmonious manner. Education is
harmonious development of all the powers of the human being i.e. physical,
social, intellectual, aesthetic and spiritual. Thus, education is intimately
connected with the life and experience of an individual. Hence education,
life and philosophy are closely interrelated. There are no antitheses
between philosophy of life and philosophy of education. They practically sail
in the same boat.
Interrelation between Education and Philosophy
Philosophy is the mother of education and education gives birth to
Philosophy. This may seem contradictory but the relationship between
philosophy and education is very close. Philosophy furnishes the goals of life
and education gives the means to achieve those goals. Man is the common
subject of both philosophy and education. Philosophy and education are
interrelated, interdependent, identical and inseparable from each other.
Every philosopher has an educational outlook and every educator has a
philosophy of life. No system of education is completely divorced from
philosophy. Philosophy provides the aim of life and thereby the aim of
education, and education provides the vehicle for carrying out that
philosophic aim in practical life. According to James Ross, “Philosophy and
Education are two sides of a coin: the former is contemplative while the
latter is the active side,” Philosophy is thus an exhaustive and
comprehensive inquiry into the world of matter and mind viewed as one
whole. John Dewey defines philosophy as a theory of education in its most
general aspects. He holds that “education is the laboratory in which
philosophic truth become concrete and are tested.”
The interdependence of philosophy and education is evident from the
fact that all great philosophers are great educators- Socrates in Greece,
Confucius in China, Buddha, Tagore and Gandhi in India. They reflected
their philosophical views in their educational schemes. For example, Plato’s
idealism gave birth to his cultural scheme of education, Rationalism in
philosophy produced the theory of formal discipline in education, Rousseau’s
anti-social philosophy was reflected in his “negative or natural education”.
American pragmatism has resulted in the project method of education.
Naturalism has introduced the play-way method. Hence there is no reason to
believe that education is unaffected by philosophy. The truths and principle
established by philosophy are applied in the conduct of education process.
Rousseau, Fichte and others, therefore contend that in the true sense of the
term education is real philosophy. All educational programmes become
consistent if their foundations are laid on sound philosophy. Philosophy
formulates the aims of life and education offers suggestion how these aims
are to be achieved. Education is a sustaining, progressive and purposive
effort, whose strength comes only form the moral values of the community,
the only source of which is philosophy.
Therefore, we can say that without philosophy, education would be
nothing but a blind effort and without education philosophy would be no
better than a cripple. Divorced from philosophy, education would become
an aimless endeavor; a hopeless waste of time and energy. Thus, philosophy
gives education its point, its target, its goal.
Philosophy exercises tremendous influence on education in all its
aspects—aims, curriculum, methods, teachers, textbooks, administration,
discipline, evaluation etc. There is no aspect of education, which is not
influenced and determined by philosophy. There is no escape from a
philosophy of life and of education. It determines the aims and content of
education; it influences discipline in the school; it exercises an effective
influence on the methods of teaching and it defines the role of the teacher
in the educational set-up.
Philosophy and Aims of Education
Every scheme of education has some aims to be attained. Aims
differ from time to time and place to place. But aims have a common
element. Aims of education are determined by aim of life or philosophy of
life. Philosophy formulates the ends of life, and education offers suggestions
how these ends are to be achieved. Aims of education change with the
changing philosophy of life. The aim of Spartan system of education was to
prepare patriotic citizens and soldiers. The Athenian system of education
aimed at the cultural development of each individual. The British Public
Schools aimed at citizenship. The Nazi system of education was determined
by Nazi philosophy of life. Thus, aims of education are relative to the aims
and philosophy of life.
Philosophy and Curriculum
Philosophy determines the aims of education and curriculum
determines how these aims can be attained. The curriculum is the means to
attain aims of education. Curriculum is to be determined by the
educational objectives which are again determined by philosophy. Hence,
the curriculum to be followed in schools has to conform to the prevailing
philosophy. Thus, the problem of curriculum construction is tackled and
solved by philosophical beliefs.
Philosophy and Text Books
The text books constitute the part of curriculum. The adoption of
appropriate text-books is, therefore, closely connected with philosophy.
Briggs has rightly pointed out that the selection of text books depends on
the ideals and values of a particular time and society. Philosophy is
reflected in the content material of text-books.
Philosophy and Methods of Teaching
Method means the art of teaching or the knowledge to which the
teacher follows in the communication of knowledge to the students. The
effectiveness of this teaching-learning process depends to great extent on
the nature or art of communication. This art of communication or the
classroom techniques are satisfactorily tackled by philosophy.
Naturalist philosophy has emphasized the child-centered methods of
education. It requires the methodology to recognize the inborn capacities of
children. Educators like Rousseau, Fichte and Montessori stand for non-
intervention by the teacher. The idealist philosophy, on the other hand,
pleads for intervention in the education of the child by the teacher.
Idealism argues that as the child has to realize certain ultimate values , the
method of teaching must be teacher-centered. Pragmatism lays stress on
problematic and creative activities and it advocates project method for
effective learning.
Philosophy and Discipline
The nature or type of discipline is always determined by the
philosophy. Naturalism emphasizes self-assertion of the individual, as
against blind obedience to authority. The idealists, on the other hand, wish
the individual to rise above self. Idealism relies much on the personality of
the teacher for the maintenance of discipline. Pragmatists advocate
complete freedom from external pressure. Thus, we see that the problem of
discipline is closely related with philosophy, and the conception of discipline
as held by a teacher or educator will always be influenced by his
philosophical beliefs.
Philosophy and Teacher
The teacher is the soul of the educative process. A teacher not only
has a thorough knowledge of his subject, but also he must know man, the
society at large. He must have a clear vision about everything he comes into
contact. Plato has defined philosopher as “One who has a taste for every
sort of knowledge, one who is curious to learn and is never satisfied.” A
teacher needs to study philosophy as a person and as a teacher. It helps him
to keep manifold relations with his pupil.
A teacher must have a definite outlook on life, optimistic or
pessimistic, positive or negative, materialistic or idealistic. Any one of these
beliefs will affect the various problems of education – the aims, the
discipline, the curricula, the methods, the technique of teaching and the
organization. So a teacher must have an adequate and sound philosophy. He
must have a thorough grounding in philosophy.
Philosophy and Educational Administration
Educational administration is also not untouched by philosophical
doctrine. Mental tests and personality tests, which occupy a very prominent
place in the field of educational administration, also require a definite
philosophy.
Philosophy and Evaluation
Evaluation is the continuous process of measuring the educational
achievements in the light of educational aims already determined.
Educational aims are determined by philosophy of life. Hence the first step
of evaluation is the clear knowledge of educational aims.
Thus, we find that philosophy affects both the theoretical and
practical aspects of education.
One cannot be separated from the other. For individual and social
development first of all we must have clear and definite educational
objectives. Philosophy helps to solve the problem. We are in urgent need of
a comprehensive philosophy of education, without it a teacher cannot work
creatively and efficiently.
SOCIOLOGICAL BASES OF EDUCATION

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Education takes place in society constituted of individuals. It is a social
process. It has a social function as well as social relevance. A school is
created by the society and the society is shaped and moulded by the school.
Thus, education is both a cause and product of society. It originates in the
society and it must fulfill the needs and aspirations of the society. There is
thus an intimate relationship between education and society. Modern
education has two-fold functions. It must help in individual development as
well as social progress. An individual can only develop in the right direction
in social environment. Education helps to solve the multifarious social
problems.
Meaning and Nature of Sociology
Sociology has come from two words Societas and Logos meaning
“society” and “science” respectively. Hence scientific study of society is
commonly known as sociology. Society is more than a mere assemblage of
individuals. It involves interaction and interrelation between individuals and
groups. In fact, society exists only in the articulate consciousness of human
beings. On the other hand, the individual depends upon the society for his
existence and self-development. It is society that acts as the selective agent
and determines which of the possibilities will be allowed to develop through
interaction with social groups and situations the original tendencies are
modified, coordinated and shaped into individual is influenced by social
direction. Sociology aims at explaining the inter-personal and group
relationships. It explains occupational, religious or social groups, the nation
or the state. It studies various social changes that are taking place within
group life and analyses such processes of interaction as competition,
Conflict, co-operation, accommodation and assimilation. It examines social
change and social control, analyses the concepts of civilization and culture
and deals with such social problems as crime juvenile delinquency, poverty
and other social evils with a view to their solution.
Meaning and Definition of Educational Sociology
Emile Durkheim, the French sociologist, for the first time felt the
need of sociological approach to Education. He considered education “to be
something essentially social in character, in its origin and its functions.” He
emphasized that education is not a static phenomenon but a dynamic and
ever-changing process. Every society with its own changing socio-cultural
needs will require an education to meet those needs. Since needs, change
continuously therefore education must also change. The needs of different
societies differ therefore education should be dynamic.
Educational sociology is a branch of sociology, which is confronted
with the problems of relationship between society and education. It makes
an effort to achieve the aims of sociology through educational process,
which is nothing but an interaction between the individual and the society.
The knowledge of social interaction is one of the most important elements
for social progress. Thus, the development of the individuality is dependent
on the reaction of the individual to his social environment. Hence, we can
say “By educational sociology we mean the science which describes and
explains institutions, social groups and social processes, and social
relationships in which or through which the individual gains and organizes
his experiences.”
According to Brown, Educational Sociology is the study of interaction
of the individual and his cultural environment. Thus, social interaction is the
key area of educational sociology. The individual becomes a person as a
product of this interaction. Educational Sociology is particularly interested
in finding out how to manipulate the educational process for better
personality development.”
John Dewey emphasized the importance of the socialization of the
individual for education. He considered that through the participation of the
individual in social process the complete development of education takes
place. The educational process is nothing but a social process. The school is
a social institution, which purifies the society, progress it and makes the
individual conversant with the society.
Thus, Educational Sociology is the study of those phases of sociology
that are of significance for educative processes. Education sociology treats
the school problems as of greatest importance to the nation. They are the
problems of society and all social institutions, social direction, individual
motivation and of effective group-actions. Educational sociology analyses
and evaluates the groups and institutions in which learning takes place and
the social process involved in learning and teaching. It analyses and
evaluates the social trends and ideologies, which affect education. It helps
us to understand that education is a means of social change. It throws light
on human interaction and relationships within the school and the
community. It emphasizes that learning is a social process. It is the total
cultural milieu in which and through which the learning experience is
acquired and organized.
Scope of Educational Sociology
The scope of education sociology is very vast. It takes into account the
various social forces and agencies like the school, the home, the religious
organization, the play groups. It also studies the different processes of
social interaction such as conflict, co-operation, competition etc. It also
induces such topics as the role of the press, the T.V., the radio and the
cinema as aids to social interaction. The other themes include social change
and social control. It deals with the impact of sociology on the aims of
education, the curricula, the school organization and the mythology of
teaching. However, for the central personality development of the learner
some specific social problems are also included in the scope of educational
sociology. These are: the importance of teacher in the society, the
relationship between the teacher and the taught, the behaviour of a student
in a group, the influence of social life on the school, the teacher and the
student, the relationship between the school and other social agencies, the
relationship between the society and the curriculum.
Impact of Educational Sociology on Education
Educational sociology plays a vital role on the modern educational
theories and practices the aims of education, the principles of curriculum
construction, the methods of teaching, the school organization and
administration.
Meaning of Education
Education is not mere schooling or instruction imposed by the elders
on the younger ones. It is equivalent to the development of character or
personality by means of the social life of education institutions. The social
life includes all kinds of out-of-class activities. Man acquires experience
throughout his life. This acquisition of experience is education. This process
of acquiring experience is a social process and it is related to and influenced
by social factors. Education is thus a social process and its function is not
only to preserve the social heritage but also to enrich it. Learning is the
result of social interaction and social motivation. Education helps to develop
this social self so that an individual may become an effective and useful
member of the society. Education is a process of directed learning.
Education sociology focuses upon the social forces through which the
individual gains experience.
Aims of Education
 Education sociology has its indirect impact on the aims and
objectives of education. Educational sociologists think that education is a
social process and it should be directed to social welfare. With this view the
determination of the objectives of education is highly needed. The
sociologists attach equal importance to the individual and social aspects of
education.
The aim of modern education is individual development as well as
social advancement. Education enables an individual to make his life better
both as an individual and as a member of his society. Education now
emphasizes total development of an individual. This total development
includes intellectual, social, moral, aesthetic, cultural, physical
development. Education should bring about a change not only in the amount
of knowledge gained but in abilities to do, to acquire habits, skills, interests
and attitudes which characterize a person who is society accepted,
personally well-adjusted and socially responsible. Thus, educational
sociology emphasizes the social aims of education.
Functions of Education
According to Payne, from the point of view of educational sociology
the functions of education are mainly three (a) transmission of social and
cultural heritage, (b) development of new social patterns, and (c) creative
and constructive role.
Education is to help in transmitting the cultural heritage with the
help of such agencies as the school, the home, the religious organization,
the radio, the T. V., the cinema, the press and the playgroup. But education
is not only to transmit the past cultural heritage but also to develop new
social patterns in such areas as health, leisure, vocation, home-life etc.
Thus from the sociological point of view, education be regarded as a
conservative force, a creative force and a critical force.
Curriculum Construction
The impact of educational sociology on the principles of curriculum
construction cannot be ignored. In ancient age the child was regarded as an
adult. The adults used to frame the curriculum and imposed it on the young
learners. This curriculum was obviously the brainchild of the adults. The
child, his interests and inclinations were not taken into consideration. But in
the modern age all these traditional views of curriculum construction have
been totally rejected as unscientific. The curriculum is now in conformity
with the general aims of education and it must help in the total
development of the child. In the modern sense the curriculum is not mere a
bundle of subjects but includes all types of activities in the school, which
provide diverse experiences to the child. It is now the sum total of the
experiences gathered by the child through social interactions in the school.
Modern curriculum thus emphasizes the social need of education.
Activity Principle in Education
Nothing can be taught, everything is to be learnt is the main idea
of present-day education. The children are no longer passive recipients of
knowledge they are now active participants in the learning process. This
means that every useful productive work has learning value. Thus work-
based education helps in the social development of the child. It prepares an
individual to face the social reality. It helps in the process of socialization of
the child and bringing social cohesion and solidarity.
The School
In modern education the school is regarded as a society in
miniature. The students learn through constant social interactions in the
school. John Dewey says: “School is a purified, simplified and better
balanced society.” The school is an effective vehicle for socialization of the
child. Thus schools are an important social agency or institution, which
performs various social functions and responsibilities.
The School Organization and Management
The school administration has now been democratized. The
students are now allowed to participate in school administration and
shoulder various administrative responsibilities. The school self-government
is now an accepted educational principle and practice. This is no doubt the
result of sociological principle in education.
The Teacher
 In modern education the teacher is regarded as a friend, philosopher
and guide. He must prepare himself for this noble work. To fulfill this
responsibility the teacher must possess suitable personality.

Human Relations
Education thinks that the work of education cannot be carried on
properly without reference to human relations. Human relations are also
developed among students in the school society. These human relations
determine the course of education. For this purpose now sociometric
technique is applied in education. With the help of sociometric technique
the group dynamics in school can be ascertained.
Methods of Teaching
The methods of teaching are also influenced by educational
sociology. The teacher has to adopt some method or technique to establish
relationship between the objectives and the materials of instruction. The
educational sociologist, according to Payne, judges the effectiveness of
teaching method and technique in the light of three principles:
· The method of teaching is effective only in so far as the skills
and knowledge acquired in the classroom are actually made by the
individual in his adjustment to social situations.
· The method of teaching must place primary emphasis on social
behaviour outside the classroom.
· The method of teaching must seek to utilize the social forces
operative in the social life in order to develop capacity for social
adjustment.
Thus it is evident that every aspect of education such as aims,
functions, materials of instructions, methods of teaching is greatly
influenced by social factors. Modern education aims at total development.
Here lies the need of sociological foundation of education.
PSYCHOLOGICAL BASES OF EDUCATION

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Psychology has greatly influenced the development of modern education.
Basic connections and relationships between psychology and education are
manifold. Educational theory and practice are conditioned by the nature of
human behaviour.
Nature of Psychology
The term psychology has been derived from two words “Psyche”
meaning mind and “Logos” meaning science. Hence psychology is the
science of mind. J.B. Wastson in the beginning of the 20 characterized
th

psychology as the science of behaviour. Like other sciences psychology has

two main branches- Experimental Psychology and Applied Psychology. The
former tries to determine the course or tendencies of human behaviour; the
latter intends to improve human life with the application of the scientific
knowledge of the human behaviour.
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology has developed to study scientifically the
behaviour of the students and to help the process of education. It is
particular field applied psychology. It tries to study the educational
behaviour of the child and applies the knowledge psychology in education.
Judd has defined Educational Psychology as the science which describes and
explains the changes that take place in individuals as they pass through
various stages of development from birth to maturity. “Apparently
Educational Psychology deals with various problems of learning and
teaching. That is why Educational Psychology is known as “psychology of
teaching and learning.”
A large number of educationists and psychologists have contributed
to the origin and development of educational psychology. Because of the
impact of psychology it has attained the status of science. In the writings of
Plato we find the elements of psychology. Roman educationist Quintillion
emphasized the psychology of individual difference in education. Comenius
laid emphasis on needs, aptitude and interests of the students in education.
He also mentioned the principle of correlation. Rousseau, Pestalozzi,
Herbart, Montessori, James, Pavlov, Thorndike, Skinner and others
emphasized the use of psychological knowledge in education.
 The starting point in the process of education must be related to
original tendency of the child. This stock of originality is conveniently
classified as instinct, reflex action, emotion and intelligence. Original
tendencies are adaptable and incomplete. These may be modified and
improved in acquiring acceptable behaviour –responses through education.
As the original tendencies are adaptive these can be channelised in more
progressive and socially desirable form of behaviour. Variations in general
intelligence is great. Psychology measures this general ability. Educational
psychology discusses process of development of the students, process of
learning, social adjustment of the students, Individuals differences in
physical abilities and mental traits and powers, Interest and motivation of
child and various problems associated with the mental health of the
students.
The function of educational psychology is to know the child and his
educational process completely. It tries to determine the means of attaining
the educational goals and objectives outlined by educational philosophy. It
helps the teacher, the students as well as the parents.
Influence of Psychology on Modern Education
Educational Psychology has influenced the modern educational
theories and practices in various ways. Psychology deals with the total
behaviour pattern of man. Educational behaviour has different facets or
dimensions, as it is also a social behaviour. In order to make the educational
process effective Psychology helps us greatly.
Influence of Psychology on the Theoretical Aspect of
Education
· The primary aim of education is the total development of the child. In
the past the child occupied the pivotal position in the educational area.
But now the child occupies the central position. Modern education is child-
centric, that is why psychology studies the nature and behaviour of the
child in different facets. Child centricism is the direct effect of psychology
on education.
· In modern education, the concept of school has undergone tremendous
changes. The school is now regarded as the replica of the society. For
 bringing desirable and permanent changes in the child the school should be
organized as a society. So the child should be educated in the social
environment of the school. Thus in modern education the concept of
school has greatly been influenced by the theory and practice of social
psychology.
· Another important theoretical aspect of modern education is the activity
principle. This means that the child should learn through self- activity.
According to the psychologists activity is the natural tendency of the child.
His natural inclinations are expressed through his activity. Education can
be meaningful if these inclinations are utilized for the purpose of
education. This activity principle is based on the psychological theory.
· In modern times the meaning of education has changed to a great extent.
It is a life-long process from birth to maturity. Education is the process of
acquiring experience throughout life. Growth brings changes in the
behaviour pattern of the child. Changes take place through the adjustment
to the environment in which the child lives. In the way of adjustment the
child acquires new experiences and this process of acquiring experience is
education. Thus this new meaning of education has psychological basis.
Influence of Psychology on the Practical Aspect of Education
· All modern methods are psychological methods. Learning can be
effective if the content of education is communicated through the senses.
Children are sensitive as well as imaginative. Senses are the gateways of
knowledge. Hence in presenting instructional materials the senses (audio-
visual) should be maximum utilized. In psychology the training of the
senses has greatly been emphasized.
· Another characteristic feature of modern educational method is that
content of instruction should be presented in continuous, sequenced and
integrated way. Psychology emphasizes that for proper understanding this
continuous, sequenced and integrated presentation of facts is needed. This
is the contribution of psychology.
· Each individual has his own innate potentialities. For his educational
development each individual should be treated separately. This
educational principle is the product of psychology.
· All modern methods of teaching emphasize that the students should
actively participate in the learning process. He should not be passive
recipient of knowledge. Through different methods of teaching the
students are made active. This activity principle of education is the
contribution of psychology.
· Psychology has also influenced the modern principle of curriculum
construction. In the past, disciplinary value of a subject was the main
criteria of selection of subjects for curriculum. But the modern
psychologists have discarded the theory of formal discipline. They think
that no subject is indispensable for curriculum construction for its
unlimited disciplinary value.
· All the principles of modern school organization and administration have
directly been influenced by psychology. For example timetable is framed
on the basis of fatigue index of the students. The modern concept of
school discipline is also a psychological product. Psychology emphasizes
the importance of freedom of the child in the maintenance of discipline in
the school.
· Modern educational science attaches importance to the proper analysis
of maladjusted behaviour of the school children.
From the above discussion it is evident that psychology has influenced
education in different ways. In the field of determination of aims of
education the impact of psychology is very meager. The educational aims
have mainly been influenced by philosophy. But psychology chalks out the
ways and means by which the educational aims can be attained. Thus the
influence of psychology on the theoretical aspect of education is partial and
limited. But its influence on the practical field of education is significant
and total.

Audio
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Philosophy has been derived from two Greek words “Philo” (love) and
“Sophia” (wisdom) and means love of wisdom.
Relation of philosophy and education: Philosophy and Aims of Education,
Philosophy and Curriculum, Philosophy and Text Books, Philosophy and
Methods of Teaching, Philosophy and Discipline Philosophy and Teacher,
Philosophy and Educational Administration, Philosophy and Evaluation.
Sociology impacts Meaning of Education, Aims of Education, Functions of
Education, Curriculum Construction, Activity Principle in Education, The
School, The School Organization and Management, The Teacher, Human
Relations, Methods of Teaching.
Influence of Psychology on the Theoretical Aspect of Education and
Practical Aspect of Education.