4 Philosophy's

Idealism deals with mind over matter. Everything about idealism involves the mind. “For idealist, nothing exists or is real except ideas in the minds of people or the mind of God, the Universal Mind.

Realism is the opposite of idealism, in that, it states that knowledge exists outside of the mind and must be uncovered through the senses and scientific investigation. Reality is composed of both matter (body) and form (mind). God doesn’t play a role but rather scientific method.

Pragmatism views reality as an event or a process, whereas others view it as a given. This states that knowledge is evolving and changing constantly. This includes things that are taught. According to pragmatism, truth is not absolute but is determined by function or consequences. They don’t even us the truth but at best use “tentative truth” until something changes.

Existentialism believe that existence precedes essence. For them, there is neither meaning nor purpose to the physical universe. We are born into this world by chance and we owe nothing to nature but our own existence. For this, you create your own meaning and have free choice.

I believe that I fit mostly with realism. I have never been the most religious person so the fact that realism leaves out God and focuses on what we know and what we uncover speaks to me. My own content area focuses on everything we know about the human body and I make recommendations and lessons based on those truths. I do not teach about sex being a sin but rather safe sex or abstinence, for example. At the same time, I also agree with pragmatism. The idea that knowledge and our understanding is forever changing based on discoveries, just makes sense to me. I believe these two-philosophy’s work well together. In my opinion, it appears realism unlocks pragmatism. Through scientific discoveries and investigations, we unlock new truths and new ways of doing things that are better before.