l values achieving human welfare, peace and satisfaction is simply to cry for the moon.
5. OPPOSITION OF INTELLECTUALITY-
Pragmatists believe that a man’s intelligence is subservient to his innate tendencies. This makes him only an animal.
6. NEGATION OF POST
Agmatists, emphasizing only the present and future, and neglects the past. Without the knowledge of past one cannot understand the present and without knowing the present thoroughly nothing can be predicted for the future.
7. DIFFICULTY IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF CURRICULUM
Pragmatism emphasize that all knowledge is to be gained from experiences of life. Selecting a project and construction of curriculum to gain all knowledge from life experiences is very difficult.
8. PRAGMATISM IS A METHOD ONLY
Unlike other philosophical doctrines, pragmatism does not lay down any aims, ideals and values of life to be pursued by human beings. Hence, pragmatism cannot be termed as a philosophy of life.
MERITS OF PRAGMATISM
1. CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT METHOD
In the field of methods of teaching, pragmatism has given birth to project method. This method, a child indulging in various creative activities, is able to solve many problems which cater to his natural progress and development.
2. IMPORTANCE OF CHILD-
Opposing bookish knowledge and formal education, pragmatism lays great stress upon the development of child’s individuality by his own efforts.
3. EMPHASIS ON ACTIVITY
Pragmatism emphasizes upon activity. The principle of learning by doing is the main contribution of pragmatism
4. FAITH IN APPLIED LIFE-
Pragmatism emphasizes the practical life of child. Pragmatic education prepares the child for future life in a very effective manner.
5. SOCIAL AND DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION-
Pragmatism develops in the child love for democratic values and social efficiency which bring harmonious adjustment and development of personality.
6. INFUSION OF NEW LIFE IN EDUCATION-
Pragmatism has revolutionized the process of education to a very great extent. This has infused a new life and zest in education.
The foregoing discussion shows that pupil’s immediate experiences, felt needs and purposes play a prominent part in the determination of educational programmes and policies. This confirms the faith in the worth and improvability of individuals. Pragmatism puts emphasis on free flow of ideas, spirit of inquiry of investigation and discussion. Pragmatism upholds the supreme value of man and prescribes freedom of thinking, experimenting and experiencing for him. Not only this, it lays emphasis upon flexibility, utility and adjustment in all fields of human activity promoting the continuous development of individual and society to the fullest extent.Pragmatic philosophy is a practical philosophy, having no fixed or absolute standards. Man always creates new values and education should help him in doing so. Being practical and utilitarian school of philosophy, pragmatism has influenced education to the maximum extent. It has tried overcoming the limitations of other schools like idealism and naturalism and has influenced world in a great deal
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