Realism

REALISM

INTRODUCTION

            While Naturalism and Idealism are the philosophies of life, Pragmatism and realism are only attitudes of mind. Realism is the doctrine that the objects of our senses exist independently of their being known or perceived by the mind.

DEFINITIONS OF REALISM

            According to Ross, “The doctrine of realism asserts that there is a real world of things behind and corresponding to the objects of our perception”.

            “Realism is the reinforcement of our common acceptance of this world as it appears to us”- Butler.

REALISM IN EDUCATION

            As already stated, Realism is a reaction against the book centered, academic, intellectual, liberal, literacy or humanistic education. It favours child centred, practical, specific, scientific and psychological education. Applied to education the new spirit manifested itself in these three forms:

FORMS OF REALISM

(1)     Humanistic Realism

(2)     Social Realism

(3)     Sense Realism

1. Humanistic Realism

            Erasmus, Rabelases and English Poet Milton are the most prominent representatives of humanistic realism. Humanistic Realism represented the survival of the idea of Renaissance but it did that in a different way. While the classical humanists placed emphasis on ‘form’ and ‘style’, the humanistic realist opposed it in favour of ‘content’ and ‘ideas’.

2. Social Realism

            The purpose of education, according to social realists was to prepare the practical man of the world.

            “Social realism was the natural reaction of practical men of the new world against a type of education that tended to perpetuate the pedantry of an earlier age, by devoting its energies of the production of scholars and professional men to the neglect of men of affairs. The exponents looked upon humanistic culture as insufficient for producing a man of the world” (Cubberley). Montaigue was its chief representative. According to him, “If the mind be not better disposed by education, if the judgement be not better settled, I had much rather my scholar had spent his time at tennis”.

Montaigue takes a utilitarian view of education and interprets it as a preparation for life of the man of the world. He pleaded for direct contact with men and things particularly through level.

            The curriculum of realism included besides travel, study of geneology, riding, fencing, gymnastics, study of modern languages and customs and institutions of neighbouring countries. About methods of teaching, Montaigue suggests to negate memory work and practice. Practice plays an important role in learning.

            ‘Living well’ rather than ‘learning’ is the main concern of social realism. Knowledge which is acquired through senses is of greater value than that which comes through books. He believed that a sound body is the basis of a sound mind.

3. Sense Realism

            The sense realists emphasized the training of senses. They held that senses are the conveyors of knowledge and learning takes place through the operation of senses. The aims of the sense realists were

(1)     To apply inductive method in the field of education with a view to organize and simplify the instructional process.

(2)     To replace the instruction in Latin by instruction in vernacular and to substitute new scientific and social studies in language and literature.

            It was also realized that all the studies should be adopted to the needs and interests of the child and that child should acquire the ‘idea’ rather than the ‘form’ and should understand the object. This attempt of their led to the formulation of Educational Psychology. Emphasis was laid on rationality rather than authority.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF REALISM IN EDUCATION

            Following are the basic principles of realism

(1) Phenomenal world is real

            There is nothing beyond this world. According to Ross, “Realism accepts only the reality of external world. That is why, it is antithesis to subjective idealism.

(2) Senses are the gateways of learning

            According to realism whatever sensation we get while coming in contact with objects through our senses, is the only reality. So like naturalism, realism also lays emphasis on sense training, study of science, diversified curricula, catering education to varied interests, making methods of teaching interesting and basis theme on psychological principles.

(3) Theory of Organism

            According to realism animate and manimate substances make an organism.

(4) Man is only a part of material world

            Man is only a part of material world. He becomes conscious of this material world with the help of his senses.

(5) Emphasis on experiment

            Realism emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation. That is the reason why realism does not believe in the existence of any god, soul, other world etc. They consider these worlds only to be a figment of imagination. A philosophy of education should be based on the realities of life and it can prove its worth by being practical. Realism is opposed to bookish knowledge.

(6) Importance of Present Life

            The immediate reality of the material world is real. It is more important than the ultimate reality of the spiritual world. Main place is given to scientific subjects.

(7) Since we live in the world which is rapidly changing, it is necessary that we remains prepared to adjust ourselves to any psychological, intellectual or social changes that occur at any time.

(8) No ‘Ism’ can solve the problem of education. To be useful education must be organized by harmoninsing values, past and present. Similarly individual and society must be given equal importance.

(9) Things and objects exist independently. They are dependent on mind for their existence. For their knowledge emphasis is laid on training of senses.

10. Realism places more emphasis on curriculum and contents of studies than on behaviour training like pragmatism.

11. Unlike naturalism, realism advocates limited freedom for child.

12. Regularity in the material world

            This ideology accepts regularity in the material world. The change is also due to regularity. Here this philosophy becomes different from the physical world. It considers all the things as a part of the totality and their forms are changing and not eternal. The development of society also takes place according to regularity.

13. State

            Realism considers states as an institution for his welfare and happiness. It is not a divine organisaton. Therefore it is obligatory for the state to make arrangements for the means of happiness and convenience of the citizens.

REALISM IN EDUCATION

            As earlier stated, realism is a revolt against traditional education. It was born in the form of opposition to the idealistic system of education and the development of science gave support to it.

            Realism is based on reality. By realistic education is meant that education should be able to make the life of a man happy and successful. Realism has given emphasis to liberal education.   

            According to Milton, “I call a generous and complete education that which fits a man to perform justly, skillfully and magnanimously all the offices both private and public, at peace and war”. They consider education as a natural process of development.

            Spencer has defined education which supports scientific realism. According to him, “Education is the preparation of life”. Hence realistic system of education throws light on all the aspects of education which are as follows.

1. Preparing the child for a happy and successful life

            The first aim of realistic education is to prepare the child to lead a successful and happy life. Thus, education should be such that the child is able to solve his problems of life successfully and lead a happy life promoting the welfare of society as well.

2. Preparing the child for a real life

            The second aim of realistic education is to prepare the child for a real and practical life. Realists believe in the reality of knowledge of external material world gained through senses. Thus, they wish to prepare the child for the real life of material world.

3. Developing the physical and mental powers of child

            According to Realism, mind as well as the physical organs together constitute an organism composed of matter. Hence, according to this ideology, the third aim of education is to develop the physical and mental powers of the child so that with the help of his developed intelligence, discrimination and judgement, he is able to solve all the problems of life successfully.

4. Developing and Training of senses   

            Realists believe that unless the senses of the child are developed fully well, he will not be able to have full knowledge about the external world. Thus, the fourth aim of realistic education is to develop and train the senses of the child through varied experiences.

5. Acquitting the child with nature and social environment

            According to Realism, a child is related both to the external nature and the social environment. Hence, the fifth aim of education is to provide the child full knowledge of both the society and the external nature so that he is able to strike a balance between the two.

6. Imparting vocational education

            According to Realism, education should be a practical utility to child. The sixth aim of education is to provide vocational education to the child.

REALISM AND CURRICULUM

            According to realism curriculum should be many sided and it should be presented to the children a rounded view of the universe. Only those subjects be included in the curriculum which are useful to the students and prepare them to meet the challenges of time in their actual life.

• Nature study, physical sciences and vocational training are given primary importance in the scheme of curriculum of realism.
• Comenius divided the educational period of the child into 4 stages and suggested curriculum and text books for each stage. He was of the opinion that all those things which are useful to the child in his life, the knowledge of these things must be given to the child. As the life being lived is real he gave importance to mother tongue and vocational subjects to be successful in life. According to him mother-tongue is the foundation stone of the development of man and vocational training helps one to earn one’s livelihood.

REALISM AND METHODS OF TEACHING

• Realism gives more emphasis to sense training. Lominius emphasized the importance of sense training in education.
• Milton emphasized the importance of travelling in education.
• Locke emphasized the importance of observation and experimentation. 
• Inductive – Deductive method is also advocated by them.

            ‘Things rather than the words’ or ‘First objects and then their exposition’ are their watch words.

            Education should be given through co-curricular activities.

REALISM AND TEACHER

            Realism has balanced approach so far as the position of the teacher is concerned.

            The teacher must have knowledge of the subject matter and nature of the child. He must know their needs. He must also be conversant with the scientific and psychological methods and techniques of teaching. He must present the objects and activities before the child in their actual form.

            For accomplishing all these, the teacher himself must be trained and bestowed with intellectual, social and moral qualities.

REALISM AND DISCIPLINE

            Realism does not favour expressionistic type of discipline which is based on punishment, fear and repression. The school emphasizes the importance of discipline based on love and sympathy.

            Like naturalism, realism also believes in ‘discipline through natural consequences’.

            This school wants to provide such a physical environment to the pupils in which they may learn to lead a disciplined life and this in turn may become a part of their habit.

            In this way, realism believes in impressionistic and emanicipationastic discipline.

MERITS

1. It lays emphasis on practical knowledge

            Realism gives emphasis to practical knowledge and functional knowledge. It is only such type of knowledge which makes a person successful in life.

2. The aim of the development of a dynamic and adaptable mind

            The aims of education given by realism may not be very exalting but atleast they are very useful and important. To develop dynamic and adaptable mind to cope with life situations is really a very important aim.

3. Due importance to science and technology

            Realism gives due importance to science and technology in its scheme of curriculum

            It is only science and technology which can raise the standard of living of teeming millions throughout the world. No nation can make progress without the help of science and technology.

4. Progressive methods of teaching

            Heuristic method, inductive-deductive method, correlation, Dalton plan etc. are all the gifts of realism in the arena of methods of teaching. Each student is expected to investigate for himself rather than to accept things dogmatically.

5. Proper concept of discipline

            Realism favours impressionistic and emancipationsitic type of discipline.

            According to this school discipline should be based upon love, sympathy and understanding rather than on authority.

6. Emphasis on objectivity

            Realism lays emphasis on objectivity. It is an account of the efforts of the school of thought that teachers encourage students to analyse the subject mater objectively.

7. Development of proper attitudes among the students

            Realism advocates the development of proper attitude among the students like objective thinking and rational judgement.

            Love, sympathy and fellow feeling are also emphasized.

8. Physical health

            Should have a definite purpose. That of improving health and not only being the gentlemanly sport.

9. Instructions are given on a uniform scientific method.

10. Emphasis on vocational education is in tune with the modern conditions and aspirations of society.

DEMERITS

            There are some limitations which are as follows.

1. Emphasis on the immediate reality of the physical

            World critics are of the opinion that realism ignores the ultimate reality of the spiritual world on account of its zeal for immediate reality of material world. But the immediate reality as perceived through the senses and interpreted by intellect derives its significance only from ultimate reality and the former cannot by any logical reasoning be isolated from the latter. In fact, it is such an unnatural divorce of the physical from the spiritual reality that has led to the moral and spiritual backruptchy of the present generation.

2. Realism ignores the importance of emotions, imaginations etc. which are also equally important in human life.

3. No place for intuition and meditation

            According to realism all the knowledge is derived from observation and experimentation. It does not accept the claims of intuition and meditation as a much superior source of getting knowledge.

4. More importance only to scientific subjects

            Realism gives too much emphasis to science and technology and altogether ignores the importance of the non-material. Subjects like art, culture, religion and mortality etc. but according to this critics, science and technology do not by themselves have any value unless they serve as instruments for developing our moral and aesthetic life.

5. No faith in eternal values and high ideals of life

            Realism has no faith in eternal values and highest ideals of life. It has faith only in the harsh realistics of daily life.