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This is a presentation on Human Reality. There are different facets to human existence: physical, intellectual, social and spiritual. But the question is, which of these represents the essence of true human reality? Unfortunately, contemporary education seldom inspires or guides people to think about basic questions such as who we really are as human beings, what is our true reality, what is the purpose of our lives, what is the nature of our interrelationship with the rest of creation, etc? Although this presentation does not answer all these questions, it seeks to present a different perspective on the nature of human reality, and the manner in which this vision of human reality requires a rethink and re-definition of many things that we do, including our work as teachers and educationists.
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1
Human Reality
And its Implication for
Educationists and Teachers
2
Background
3
The Sources of Knowledge
4
Science
Science is an investigation of the material
aspects of the world.
Technology is the practical application of
scientific principles.
5
Human Reality
As defined by Science:
Homo Sapiens
Social Animal
Symbol Using Animal
Etc.
6
Human Affairs
As directed by scientific observations:
Material Progress
Social Progress
Intellectual Progress
7
Concerns
Poverty
Extreme Disparity in Resource Distribution
Violence
Corruption
Degeneration of Cultures
Competition
Degradation of Environment
Etc.
8
Realization
This is not the world that we were
hoping for
9
Observation
Decision-making has been on a fundamentallymaterialistic view of existence.
This materialistic paradigm has proven notonly insufficient but fundamentally flawed.
10
Some Invalid Premises
Everything can be understood
and dealt with in material terms
Science and Technology can
solve all problems
The poor are a bundle of needs
waiting to be met
Man is a machine
designed to maximize utility
Education needs to provide the
means for man’s material progress
11
The Nature of the World
What we can know and
understand through our human
faculties.
What we cannot know and
understand owing to human
limitations.
12
Observation
Science cannot always explain realities completely.
for example, Science cannot provide for
MOTIVATION
13
Consider this
In spite of all our scientific and technological advancement, why
have we not learned to resolve our differences and disagreements
peacefully?
14
The Missing Link
RELIGION
15
Religion
Religion is an investigation of the spiritual
principles which underlie the world.
Morality is its practical application in daily
life.
16
Advancement of civilization is based on two
sources of knowledge:
SCIENCE RELIGION
Two interacting knowledge systems that
provide the basic organizing principles by
which individuals, communities and
institutions function and evolve.
17
Truth is…
Spiritual and material principles are interwoven into the fabric of life.
18
As defined by Religion:
Created in the God’s own image
and therefore ‘NOBLE’
Crown of Creation
Duality of Nature
Human
Animal
Vegetable
Mineral
Human Reality
SPIRITUAL
NATURE
MATERIAL
NATURE
19
Human Reality
Characterized by innate
NOBILITY
20
Implications
Human existence finds deeper meaning
compared to mundane activities for survival.
Human values and virtues find liberal
expression in action.
Greed replaced by a commitment for the
common good.
21
Implications
Most concepts related to human
existence and endeavor must be re-
redefined. . .
. . . in light of man’s innate
NOBILITY
22
Re-defining. . .
Social Order; Structures; Relationships.
Governance; Administration.
Economics; Business.
Social Progress and Economic Development.
Family
Work
Media
Technology
Education
23
Human Reality
&
EDUCATION
24
Concern
If human beings are innately NOBLE,
why then do they sometimes act in a
manner that is not noble?
25
Why do children engage in…
Competitive behavior
Indiscipline
Attention-seeking behavior
Rebelliousness
Moral laxity
Violence and conflict
Etc.?
According to Scientific
observations, most of
these traits are part of
the growth process.
Religious teachings
however maintain that
these are entirely
avoidable.
26
The Question is…
As teachers, how do we see the
children sitting in our classrooms?
27
Bodies?
Or
Bodies with Hearts, Minds and
Souls?
28
The Product of Education
An individual with a new
vision, a new heart and a new set of
skills
New Vision
New
Skills
New
Heart
29
Elements of Education
Moral
Excellence
Academic
Excellence
Learning to apply
scientific principles
Learning to apply
spiritual principles
30
Implications
We must suitably modify the:
Curriculum
Content
Methodologies
Pedagogy
Everything!
