Deck 4: Pragmatism and Education

Question 1

The classic pragmatists--Peirce,James,and Dewey--insisted that the test of truth of an idea or proposition lies in

A)its reliable history of longevity.
B)how close it reflects an independent reality.
C)the consequences of acting on it.
D)a logical analysis of meaningful terms.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Dewey thought that modern industrialization had submerged both the individual and society and,therefore,the school should be an institution where

A)children's individual and social capacities are nurtured through democratic living.
B)individualism should be the guiding interest above all other considerations.
C)individual differences should take second place to the more important needs of society.
D)society's needs must give way to the needs and interests of individual children.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Dewey held that a primary moral aim of schooling is to enable students to participate in democratic social life.By this he meant that democratic ideas must

A)be overhauled to meet the needs of powerful social interests.
B)become motive forces in how an individual relates ethically with others.
C)have a rigorous and forceful application to student behaviors.
D)not influence basic curriculum so much as extra-curricular activities.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Although Dewey rejected supernaturalism,he held that human experience could have certain religious qualities to it because

A)humans cannot escape the recognition of God.
B)religious ideals are rooted in human needs.
C)mankind's original sin leads it back to God.
D)humans are naturally inclined toward the supernatural.

Question 5

Pragmatism examines traditional ways of thinking and doing and attempts to reconstruct central ideas in order to

A)solve present problems and promote creative intelligence.
B)preserve collective wisdom and enhance social stability.
C)maintain present prosperity and build future wealth.
D)achieve lasting consensus and avoid disagreements.

Question 6

Which of the following groups of terms most accurately describe central aspects of pragmatism?

A)Revelation,moderation,and natural development.
B)Deduction,dialectic,and experience.
C)Revelation,science,and deduction.
D)Experience,natural development,and science.

Question 7

Pragmatists generally emphasize the importance of moral education and maintain that appropriate moral traits are best acquired by individuals through

A)following the established customs of society.
B)following the course of greatest economic profitability.
C)reflective inquiry and social participation.
D)obedience to absolute ethical values.

Question 8

William James made which of the following ideas central to his philosophy?

A)dialectic.
B)experience.
C)deduction.
D)introspection.

Question 9

According to the neopragmatists,philosophical pragmatism continues to have an important role today because of its

A)opposition to idealist and realist views on metaphysics.
B)advocacy of social reform and criticism of certainty.
C)reluctance to press for social change.
D)concern with promoting traditional education.

Question 10

For pragmatists,particularly Dewey,the aim of education is

A)economic.
B)mental.
C)knowledge.
D)growth.

Question 11

For Dewey,the proper role of the teacher is to be a

A)taskmaster to keep students properly on task.
B)rule maker and enforcer of school regulations.
C)manager who steers them through batteries of tests.
D)knowledgeable guide and resource for students.