Answer to Question #208920 in Philosophy for Nokwanda

Question

Compare the philosophy of empiricism with scientific rationalism in essay format. In your discussion you must refer to how these theories could influence education in South Africa. Provide your discussion with examples in the classroom, provide your essay with bibliography

Answer 1

Empiricism is a philosophical belief that states your knowledge of the world is based on your experiences, particularly your sensory experiences. So, empiricism in education focus on learning by exploration.

Rationalism is the philosophical view that knowledge is acquired through reason, without the aid of the senses. Mathematical knowledge is the best example of this, since through rational thought alone we can plumb the depths of numerical relations, construct proofs, and deduce ever more complex mathematical concepts.