Introduction
Education can be defined as a process of passing knowledge to others. It may also be considered as an area of study taught at learning institutions. Education can be carried out formally as in an organized setting or informally. Education has undergone various philosophical changes. This includes changes in the educational field of the education process and the education discipline itself. (Neil, 2005)
Main text
Apprenticeship was a traditional form of non-formal education started by our earliest ancestors. With time, some thinkers came up with theories to explain various phenomenons in the universe. These however mingled scientific conclusions with superstitions and traditional beliefs that could not be verified empirically. Hume developed a third-generation philosophy that emphasized the need to base all knowledge on experience. All facts are therefore verified by experiments that can be understood and analyzed on the perceptions of our senses. (Neil, 2005)
The first form of organized education was started by philosophers who included Aristotle, John Locke and Augustine among others. Their aim was to educate people on the ethical theories that they had come up with. In the twentieth century, the philosophy of education was developed in schools in what was referred to as the foundations of education. This linked education with other disciplines like sociology and history instead of concentrating on various areas of philosophy. This education got some contribution from some writers who were neither philosophers nor professional school members. (Gutek, 1970)
In analytic philosophy, tools such as logic, linguistics and other techniques to analyze which vary on various schools of thought are made use of. It is an attractive kind of education to people who seek empirical conclusions that can be substantiated. Normative philosophy uses conclusions from analytical philosophy, assumptions about human nature and learning physiology. (Gutek, 1970)
Aristotle is famous for developing the first generation of philosophy named Metaphysics. This is a study that aims at explaining the origin and nature of the world. It studies reality principles. At first, Metaphysics was equated to science. This however is not the case since all scientific studies need to be verified empirically. The case does not apply to metaphysics which has some theories that cannot be verified. (Knowledge rush, 2009)
Epistemology which can also be referred to as the theory of knowledge is a philosophical branch that attempts to describe the nature, scope and limitation of knowledge. It strives to define the knowledge, explain how knowledge is acquired, and explain what we suppose we know and how we have come to know what we know.
Axiology is a field of philosophy that studies ethics and areas that are entirely based on ethical notions. It studies worthiness, quality and value. Researchers in this area have developed scientific and mathematical axiology that can be scientifically validated. (Knowledge rush, 2009)
Logic is a study that examines the context in which arguments may exist and if these arguments are valid or not. It also examines reasoning. Logic is used in most studies including mathematics and sciences. The knowledge of logic greatly led to the development of the computer. It is therefore an essential field in computer sciences. (Gutek, 1970)
Conclusion
Our education system is mostly based on information that can be verified empirically by our senses. This is especially true for science studies. We have greatly benefited from many researchers and philosophers that have come up with various theories and information. This has made the education process easier for us. Some things that appear obvious to us were matters of controversy in the past. A good thing for us to do would be to strive and discover more knowledge so that learning will always be improving even for future generations.
References List
Gutek, L.G. (1970). A historical introduction to American education, Crowell.
Knowledge rush. (2009).Philosophy. Web.
Neil, J. (2005) John Dewey, the Modern Father of Experiential Education.