What is Idealism:-
This philosophy focuses more on idealism. Its social purpose is to give a dimension to human thought, faith, and values. About 400 years ago, Plato, a proponent of idealism, gave this view in a famous book, “The Republic,” that thoughts are the true reality that we should understand. Truth, beauty, and justice are always and permanently real. To understand this, we should stay happy and focus on our minds. Plato believed that the body and mind are two worlds. The first world is the body. The mental world is fundamental, stable, organized, and spiritual. Within this world, there is another world. We come to know this world through vision, thought, words, and sound. The division of this world lies between the body and the mind. Plato told idealistic social reformers that it is crucial to know the reality of physical knowledge and the soul. Attaining knowledge and employing the intellect is essential for understanding idealism. The objective of education in idealism is to nourish and develop each individual’s potential and prepare them for better social service. In school curricula, more attention should be given to mental subjects. Literature, history, religion, and philosophy should also be included. Idealism plays a significant role because it informs us about what values and norms to adopt in life. If we do not adopt these values, our ignorance will lead to falsehood and injustice. Plato believed the true purpose of education is to seek beauty, pure soul, and mathematical knowledge. This means that the Greeks wanted the overall development of children. From the same thought, they contributed in the fields of physical education and intellect. Plato asserted that a person should be healthy, humble, beautiful, intelligent, and moral. An ideal person should have an excellently developed personality, healthy mentally and physically. Greeks believed that only in a healthy body does a healthy mind reside. Therefore, mental development requires a healthy body. For the complete development of children, a thorough and balanced foundation is essential. Physical education is more than just physical knowledge. Humans are not just physical beings; coordination between mind and body is essential. With the knowledge of physical education, children can become ideal for the entire society.
What is Pragmatism :
The proponents of pragmatism include Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914), William James (1842–1910), and John Dewey (185–1959), who assert that what we experience and observe is what is real. It is not a static philosophy, but one characterized by activity. Pragmatism believes experience is dynamic and changeable, and the understanding of reality changes accordingly. When we gain knowledge from our experience and thoughts, we understand reality. Charles believed that only thinking can lead to action, not remaining stagnant. John Dewey posited that students should understand their surroundings and each other. Schools should focus more on social experiences in every subject. Knowledge should be relative to place, time, and circumstances. Different cultures and ethnic groups should work together for societal contribution. In education, teachers should create curricula considering students’ benefits. This curriculum should facilitate collaborative work. Teaching methods should emphasize experimentation and projects. Under physical education, this philosophy includes team games, as they involve mutual cooperation among students.
What is Naturalism : Naturalism is the oldest philosophy. It is often referred to by the name “realism.” Naturalism holds that nature itself is life. The physical characteristics present in this world are the central topic for naturalism. It denies belief in the existence of God and asserts that anything given must be understood through physical means. Nature is the basic component of human functions, and it also provides a means to change one’s part. This philosophy should be termed individualistic because naturalism focuses on both the body and the mind. Games are fundamental from birth. When a child is born, the meaning of their movements is to attain nature without restriction. Nature provides instincts right from birth. Teaching and learning are one simple way. Physical education should focus more on natural functions. In children’s development, natural functions play a significant role, so children and nature should move forward together. Activities like running, jumping, throwing, and catching are natural functions. Nature not only teaches skills but also how to live and move in society. It is believed that each child has its devices and potential to learn. Education starts from innate needs like hunger, thirst, etc. Learning is considerably influenced by innate needs. The philosophy of naturalism helps children according to natural perspectives. Nature and physical education are essential for identifying an individual’s personality. Therefore, nature and physical education are the bending forces in this world.
What is Existentialism
Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is regarded as the father of existential philosophy. Contemporary thinkers are increasingly focused on this discipline. It is an individualistic theory, primarily valuing a person’s independence. It posits that society is a necessary evil. According to this philosophy, a person is born with independence and thus should not be bound by societal constraints. In this world, society has imposed its will on every individual, essentially erasing their identity. Existentialists believe that an individual’s existence encapsulates genuine reality. A person self-actualizes. Society is not responsible for their past, present, or future. Each individual prepares himself by considering himself unique. This constitutes their personal value. It contrasts with the idea of fulfilling another person’s imposed and chosen desires. Existentialism in education confers greater importance on the individual than on society. It sometimes represents an extreme view, that the individual is everything, and society is nothing. However, a society that rescues a human from the state of a beast and turns them into a good human is crucial. In physical education, this philosophy is highly applicable because every child has the freedom to choose their preferred subject, but physical education cannot adopt many of these aspects as it involves numerous activities that cannot occur without societal and group play. There is a significant difference between individual and communal games. In physical education, every theory can be integrated into the curriculum. Physical education imparts knowledge in physiology, physical anatomy, physical activity science, sociology, and various other disciplines. Every subject in situational education reflects this philosophy.
What is Realism:
Realism focuses on the idea that the physical world is actual and the material produced from physical cause-and-effect relationships is genuine. These materials do not rely on humans. The body, mind, and emotions are authentic in the world. Realism emphasizes a robust interrelationship between the body and mind. According to it, we should interpret the world as it is. All the things derived from our experiences are real. Therefore, no experience can alter the principles of reality. Thus, realism is an idealistic philosophy. It suggests that remaining educated is better than being ignorant; this means any subject should be studied in depth. According to realism, the objective of physical education is to maintain a child’s individuality. No truth exists in the mind without physical structure. Without physical health, the mind can never remain healthy. Therefore, attention should be paid to maintaining a healthy body. The soul and mind can only be understood through a healthy body. If the body is unhealthy, the mind cannot achieve complete health. All parts of the body function efficiently only when they are well-conditioned. We should organize exercises for the body’s tools. The educator teaching physical education should have thorough knowledge of an individual’s conduct and should be entirely focused on the child’s development rather than merely teaching and overseeing games. Pressure should not be placed on children to perform exceedingly. A healthy body maintains a healthy mind; this objective can be achieved by designing an effective curriculum for physical education based on both contemporary and traditional experiences.