NATURALISM AND EDUCATION

Definition
(1) "Naturalism is a system whose silent characteristic is the exclusion of whatever is
spiritual or indeed whatever is transcendental of experience—from our philosophy of
Nature and Man." —Joyce
(2) "Naturalism is not science but an assertion about science. More specifically it is the
assertion that scientific knowledge is final, leaving no room for extra-scientific or
philosophical knowledge." —R.B. Perry
(3) "Naturalism ... is a term loosely applied in educational theory to systems of training
that are not dependent on schools and books but on the manipulation of the actual life of
the educated." —J.S. Ross
(4) Ward says that naturalism is the "doctrine that separates nature from God,
subordinates spirit to matter, and sets up unchangeable laws as supreme."

Naturalism as a philosophy of education was developed in the 18th century. It is based

on the assumption that nature represents the wholeness of reality. Nature, itself, is a
total system that contains and explains all existence including human beings and human
nature. According to naturalists the material and the physical world is governed by
certain laws, and man, who is the creator of the material world, must submit to it. It
denies the existence of anything beyond nature, behind nature and other than nature
such as supernaturalism.

The great names associated with naturalism are many but the important ones are those
of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, Herbert Spencer and Rabindranath
Tagore.

Fundamental Principles
1. Naturalism does not believe in God. Nature is everything nothing beyond it.
2. It believes in matter and importance of material world.
3. Physical and natural principles are supreme and universal.
4. There are no ideal or supreme values.
5. Fully materialistic and mechanical attitude.
6. It is a monistic concept.

Forms of Naturalism

(1)Physical Naturalism. Physical Naturalism studies the processes of matter and

phenomena of the external world. It explains human activities and experiences in
terms of material objects and natural laws.
(2)Mechanical Naturalism. According to Mechanical Naturalism this universe is a
lifeless huge machine which gets its form through matter and motion.
(3)Biological Naturalism. Biological Naturalism is based upon the Darwinian Theory of
Evolution. According to this theory, man has evolved from lower animals by a
gradual process of development. Man is supreme product of this process of
evolution. The advocates of this school uphold that heredity has a powerful
influence on the nature and temperament of an individual human being.
(3.1.) Adaptation to Environment, (3.2.) Struggle for Existence, (3.3) Survival of the
Fittest.

Principles of Education
 1. Education is based on psychology.
2. It emphasizes basic instincts, interests and tendencies.
3. Child is the centre of education.
4. It opposes book-learning.
5. Only individual is considered and valued.
6. It is progressive and dynamic ideology.

Aims of Education
1. To perfect the human machines.
2. Attainment of present and future happiness.
3. Preparation for the struggle of existence.
4. Adaptation to environment.
5. Improvement of racial gains.
6. Natural development.
7. Autonomous development.

Curriculum
1. Naturalistic Curriculum is constructed according to basic instincts, aptitudes and
tendencies of children.
2. Humanities occupy subsidiary position.
3. Main subjects of Naturalistic Curriculum are — Games and Sports, Physical sciences
and Physiology, Health culture, Material sciences and Biological sciences etc.

Methods of Teaching
1. Naturalists emphasizing learning by doing, learning by self-experience, and
learning by play.
2. Observation, play-way, Heuristic and Kindergarten methods.

Teacher
1. Teacher’s role is subsidiary whereas child’s position is central.
2. Nature is the supreme teacher. He is to set the stage for child and retire behind the
curtain.

Discipline
1. The slogan of Naturalism is freedom.
2. This doctrine, supporting emancipatory discipline, emphasizes discipline according
to natural consequences.

School
1. Nature’s vast campus is the real school.
2. School should be a natural and spontaneous field of free activities for children.

Reference: Philosophical Foundations of Education

by K.K. Shrivastava

Prepared by: Vina Rhama P. Hadlocon, MST-Math