COMPARISION OF NATURALISM, IDEALISM AND PRAGMATISM

NATURALISM IDEALISM PRAGMATISM

Fundamental Principles

1. Nature alone is entire 1. Mind and thought are real. 1. Reality lies in the process,
reality, it is ready-made. it is still in making, not
readymade.

2. The outlook of the 2. The outlook of an idealist 2. The outlook of a

naturalist materialistic. is spiritual. pragmatist is social.

3. They do not believe in 3. Believe in the existence of 3. Pragmatist believes in the

existence of God. God. existence of God to an
extent.

4. Ultimate reality is physical. 4. Ultimate reality is spiritual. 4. Ultimate reality is utility.

5. Universe is natural 5. Universe has been 5. Universe has been

creation. created by God. created by man.

6. They do not believe in 6. Eternal spiritual values 6. According to them values

value, soul, God, religion never change. Truth, are changeable and are
and divine spirit. goodness and beauty are created by man. It is
eternal values. relative to time, place and
circumstance

7. Physical and natural laws 7. Spiritual laws are 7. No law is universal.

are universal. universal.

Educational Principles
1. Nature is the base. 1. Spirituality is the base. 1. Society is the base.
“Follow nature” is the Emphasis is on the spiritual Emphasis is on physical
slogan. and moral environment. and social environment.

Aims of Education
1. The aim of education 1. The aim of education 1. The aim of education
according to naturalism is according to naturalism is according to pragmatism
self-expression. self-realisation. is dynamic in nature.

2. It emphasizes the 2. It aims at spiritual 2. It aims at social efficiency.

autonomous development development.
of the individuality.

3. Adjustment to the 3. Presentation and 3. Adjustment with present

environment. enrichment of cultural and to change the
environment. present.
Curriculum
1. Emphasis is on sciences. 1. Emphasis on ethics and 1. Emphasis is on practical
study of humanities. utilitarian subjects.

2. Curriculum is based on 2. Based on moral, spiritual 2. Based on the principle of

need, ability, aptitude, and and intellectual values. utility, integration and
on the nature of the child. child’s natural interests
and experiences.
Discipline

1. Uncontrolled freedom 1. Emphasis on regulated 1. Restricted freedom and

discipline through natural freedom and self- social discipline.
consequences. discipline.
Teacher’s Role

1. Teacher role is from 1. Teacher’s position is very 1. Teacher occupies an

behind the scene. high. They have high important place in
expectations of the education.
teacher.

2. Teacher is not to interfere 2. Teacher guides, directs, 2. Teacher puts the pupil
in the child’s activities. suggests and control the in the position of
situation. discoverer or
experimenter.