Thesis (Research Paper Sample)

Philosophy and Psychology Name Institution Course Tutor Date Abstract The essay explores the importance of philosophy with the focus being on educational studies. It summarizes the different branches of philosophy that guide professionals in education and reviews their advantages and disadvantages of these branches. It also describes the modern philosophical orientations with reference to education, life, and work besides summarizing the various schools of psychological thought that impact the philosophical educational foundations. The advantages and disadvantages of the various philosophies and examples related to personal experiences and observations have also been provided. Other vital issues considered include my philosophical orientation. The research paper illuminates the process I used to identify and determine my philosophy. It explains ways in which my philosophy has evolved and changed over the years. In addition, the discussion also highlights my psychological orientation(s). It explains how they work in tandem with my philosophical orientation. Lastly, the essay further elaborates on how my application of the dominant philosophical/psychological orientations that I exhibit and also provides my personal/professional growth design and plan. My strengths and weaknesses have been considered in the design as it outlines my future academic and career goals. Keywords: philosophy, psychology, orientation, education, progressivism, essentialism, schools of thought Philosophy and Psychology Introduction The roots of philosophy and psychology always appear to be the same, mainly focusing on studying human beings. The philosophy revolves around providing an understanding of what human conditions are. On the other hand, psychology tries to comprehend and give insights into the reasons for human conditions being what they are, including how they function in a particular contextual direction or location. Philosophy is integral to examining the fundamental nature of reality, knowledge, and existence, while philosophy entails studying human behavior and mind in a given context (social). These philosophies are applicable in different fields. As a result, this research paper seeks to explore the importance of philosophy with a particular focus on educational studies. It summarizes the branches of philosophy that guide professionals in education, and describe the modern theories on philosophical orientations. Moreover, it summarizes the different schools of psychological thought impacting philosophical educational foundations. It also provides insights into other important issues, such as my philosophical orientation and the process I employed in determining my philosophy, including how it has evolved over the years. In addition, it explains my psychological orientation(s) and how they work with my general philosophical orientation. Importance of Philosophy with the focus on Field of Educational Studies According to Caena and Redecker (2019), philosophy in educational studies is critical because it provides the basic comprehension of the purpose and nature of education. It enables individuals to consider the essential questions in education, such as the purpose and meaning of education, how students need to be taught, the knowledge and skills for teaching students, and ways of assessing students. Mack (2010) adds that it enables individuals to examine the impact of educational practices and theories on learners. Similarly, it also helps people consider the moral and ethical implications of educating learners and consider the role and importance of technology in education. Teachers who comprehend philosophy in the field of educational studies often gain valuable insights not only into their profession but also into their student's learning. Sund & Lysgaard (2013) argue that it helps decipher the learning path. Teaching philosophy is considered the map that provides directions for moving forwards and ahead. Just like an individual may feel lost when there is no map, students are likely to miss what the teacher teaches when no specific path is decided yet. Therefore, a map is considered vital for making informed movements. Only those that know and understand their philosophical paths can help others in the educational field to plan and get to their destinations. Tesar et al. (2022) add that it also affects society. Educational studies are usually the future makers of people in communities. They help students choose different identities and professions (Mack, 2010). Besides, they are guided by different philosophies that often profoundly affect individuals, especially students, as they help them decide independently about their future. The core values people learn in applying philosophy in the abovementioned fields are often used and applied in society as they grow up. Peel (2020) reiterates that a solid philosophical background ensures that the values taught are all positive. According to Biesta et al. (2022), philosophy empowers educators to better comprehend the intellectual discussions and assertions that the lessons and the subjects they teach or instruct require. Peel (2020) reiterates that education helps in recognizing educators for comprehending the extent, including the limitations of factual research that education provides. It provides insights on the subjective structure of the specific relationship between education systems and the intellectual and research issues in the processes. Teachers are encouraged to promote independent thinking among learners. To accomplish this, they are obliged to have a teaching philosophy. Students always rely on their teachers hence they need ideas and perspectives that motivate them. Papastephanou et al. (2022) explain that there is a connection between philosophy and education. They are all associated with learning, teaching, and discovering. Sund & Lysgaard (2013) assert that it entails humans' capacity to think and generate a vital character that seeks to build a society considered constructive and to build thinking humans and freedom of expression from a problem or a challenge that analyzes issues and factors. Biesta et al. (2022) assert that philosophy is vital in modifying and understanding educational processes. It helps in the identification of contradictions and conflicts in theories. It is critical to develop the capacity of individuals to raise questions about concepts and theories. It clarifies assumptions and concepts underlying theories of education. Masters (2023) explains that philosophy in educational studies helps provide a deep understanding of educational processes. The assertion emanates from the understanding that philosophy usually emerges or surfaces from reflection on experience but drives individuals to engage in things in perspective. Philosophy helps create a sense of direction regarding what humans must do and where to go. Education may not lead to something tangible without philosophy. It shapes all parts and aspects of education, such as educational policies, theories, and practices. For instance, learning philosophy allows teachers to view and analyze perspectives from all individuals involved in the learning process. It allows them to adapt better teaching guidance and strategies. Peel (2020) concludes that these often eventually lead to improved results. Summary of the different branches of philosophy guiding professionals in education and in their work Papastephanou et al. (2022) illuminate the philosophy branches that guide educational professionals. They include epistemology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, axiology, political philosophy, and aesthetics. Metaphysics, as a philosophical branch, involves studying existence, reality, the physical world, the nature of being, and the universe. It helps answer challenging questions such as the nature of reality, how individuals can say the world exists outside their thoughts and humanity's origin. Biesta et al. (2022) add that it also questions how the universe was made, if it was made, how disembodied minds and thoughts affect and control the physical bodies of individuals and ways of proving the existence of things. Metaphysics helps add clarity and conceptual rigor that improves the steadfastness of an individual's knowledge. However, its cons emanate from the fact that a person may be deceived into a false and illusive paradigm of reality and hold a worldview of philosophy that contradict actual issues, the true state of affairs, or the truth. Epistemology is sometimes referred to as the theory of knowledge. It delves into the scope, definition, knowledge formation, and knowledge parameters. It explains how individuals acquire knowledge and the relation of the ability to notions such as truth, justification, and belief. Moreover, it also examines where the knowledge gained falls within the spectrum of error and uncertainty. Its pros stem from the fact that it underlies what individuals think, their beliefs, and their application of new information. It informs social, political, ethical, and religious decision-making. However, its cons include the study not relying on practical data. It only favors theoretical reasons and justifications. It can be a setback to people that value empirical and scientific methods for interpretation. Teachers introspecting about the nature of knowledge and engaging deeply into their roles should be considered to be the epicenter of alternative education. Systems of education are important elements of functioning societies. Peel (2020) asserts that it enables educators to pass values, knowledge, and traditions. On the other hand, logic as a philosophical branch entails the study of reasoning. It provides insights into ways of differentiating bad and good reasoning and ways of constructing valid arguments. It aims to answer questions related to the validity of a reason, ways of determining a bad opinion from a good one, and how to spot err...