compare and contrast philosophy, ideology, and theory

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Philosophy has four main components: axiology, epistemology, metaphysics and logic. Axiology is the study of value. The study addresses ethics and aesthetics. Ethics deal with the theoretical study of moral valuation. Another way to define ethics is the study of action. Aesthetics are concerned with the conceptual problems associated with feelings and senses.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge. Logic is really a subdivision of epistemology. It is the study of methods used in distinguishing correct from incorrect reasoning. Knowledge is interrelated by logic. It ensures the consistency of the statements that compose the fabric of science. Ethics are dependent on epistemology. You must have knowledge to make choices.

Philosophy in general studies questions about the nature of learning, especially of children. Questions might include: What constitutes upbringing and education? What is the purpose of education? Is the chief goal of educators imparting knowledge, developing intellectual independence or instilling moral or political values? What is the nature of education and its related concepts? What are the sources and legitimacy of educational authority? What is worthwhile and necessary to teach? What are the best ways to do that? Different views influence the answers. There are many major philosophy figures: Plato, Rousseau, Dewey, Aristotle, Locke and Mill to name a few. Some of them believe in coercion and discipline. Others are more concerned with discrimination and equal rights.

Metaphysics is the study of the fundamental nature of all reality. It studies questions that cannot be answered by scientific observation and experimentation. Examples of those kind of questions are: What is out there? What is reality? Does free will exist? Do abstract concepts (like numbers) really exist?

Philosophy dominates educational theory. It studies the relationship between theory and practice. Due to the fact that there are multiple ways of conceiving education coupled with multiple fields and approaches of philosophy, philosophy of education is not easily defined. Philosophy, ideology and metaphysics are often synonymous. Philosophy should not be confused with educational theory.

There are three main ways that the term 'theory' is used in education. It is used to mean: 1) the obverse of practice 2) a generalizing and exploratory model of some kind or 3) a developing body of explanation. Theory is thinking and reflection rather than doing. It is ...