FILOSOFIA DA EDUCAÇÃO - PARTE II - AULA 02

Summary

The transcript delves into philosophical concepts such as existentialism and pragmatism, particularly exploring Sartre's views on human freedom and responsibility. Sartre emphasizes that humans are condemned to make choices, which shape their essence. He contrasts this with the determinism found in nature and objects. The discussion also introduces pragmatism, with philosophers like John Dewey arguing that truth is contextual and arises from practical experience rather than abstract thinking. Education is highlighted as a means to prepare individuals for autonomous decision-making, emphasizing the importance of learning to solve real-world problems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sartre's existentialism emphasizes human freedom and responsibility, where individuals must make choices freely, without being determined by external forces like God or astrology.
• 😀 Sartre rejects the concept of an abstract God or cosmic forces dictating human destiny, arguing that humans are free to make their own decisions.
• 😀 The difference between essence and existence is central to Sartre's philosophy. For humans, existence precedes essence, meaning we exist first and then define ourselves through our choices.
• 😀 In contrast to animals and objects, which have predetermined essences, humans are 'beings-for-themselves' who actively create their essence through freedom of choice.
• 😀 Sartre suggests that humans are 'condemned to be free' because they must always make choices, and choosing not to choose is not an option.
• 😀 The feeling of anguish arises from the necessity of making choices, as shown through the example of a soldier choosing between patriotism and family loyalty during wartime.
• 😀 The role of education in Sartre's philosophy is to prepare individuals for a life of choice, promoting autonomy and the ability to make responsible decisions.
• 😀 The pragmatism philosophy, especially in the U.S., argues that absolute truth is unattainable and that truth is contextual, dependent on practical situations and human experiences.
• 😀 John Dewey, a key pragmatist, viewed thought as a tool for solving problems, where the human mind engages with reality to adapt and resolve challenges.
• 😀 Dewey criticized traditional education for presenting ready-made truths and proposed a more dynamic approach, where education focuses on real-world problems, active learning, and encouraging critical thinking.

Q & A

What is Sartre's main idea about human freedom in existentialism?

Sartre believes that humans have the freedom to make choices and are responsible for the consequences of those choices. He rejects any external force, such as God or fate, from determining the course of human existence.

How does Sartre view the concept of essence in relation to human existence?

Sartre argues that in humans, existence precedes essence. This means that we are born without a predefined purpose or essence, and it is through our choices that we create our own essence.

Why does Sartre reject the idea that God determines human destiny?

Sartre rejects the idea that God determines human destiny because it contradicts his philosophy of existentialism, which emphasizes human freedom. Sartre believes that humans must take responsibility for their choices, rather than attributing them to divine intervention.

What is the significance of the difference between essence and existence in Sartre's philosophy?

The difference highlights that humans are not born with a predefined purpose (essence), unlike animals or objects. Humans first exist and then define their essence through the freedom of choice, making existence a fundamental aspect of human life.

What does Sartre mean when he says that humans are 'condemned to be free'?

Sartre means that humans cannot escape the responsibility of making choices. We are free, but this freedom comes with the burden of making decisions, and we must choose even when faced with difficult or conflicting options.

How does Sartre's view of freedom relate to the concept of 'anguish'?

The anguish, or existential anxiety, arises because humans are free to make choices, and with this freedom comes the fear and uncertainty of making the 'right' choice. This is an inherent part of human existence.

How do pragmatists view the concept of truth?

Pragmatists believe that truth is not absolute. Instead, truth is contextual and emerges through practical experiences and problem-solving. They reject the idea of a universal, unchanging truth.

What is John Dewey's stance on education and its role in society?

John Dewey emphasizes that education should not just impart knowledge, but teach students how to think critically and solve real-world problems. He advocates for a pragmatic approach to education, where learning is based on practical, contextual experiences.

What is the difference between congruent and incongruent relationships with the environment according to Dewey?

A congruent relationship with the environment occurs when everything is harmonious, and no changes are needed. An incongruent relationship arises when there is dissatisfaction or a need for change, prompting the individual to resolve the issue and restore balance.

How does Dewey critique traditional education systems?

Dewey critiques traditional education systems for focusing too much on memorization and presenting students with pre-determined knowledge, rather than encouraging them to engage with real-world problems and develop critical thinking skills. He believes education should prepare students for life by teaching them how to think, not just what to think.