Logical Positivism: A Classroom Implication

Education is largely influence by philosophical thoughts of enquiry. Logical positivism is one of the philosophical thought which is associated with empirical knowledge. A knowledge which is acquired through senses or through direct experiences more reliable, true and permanent. It also involves scientific empiricism which exist on scientific knowledge. This philosophical enquiry of knowledge believes that all philosophical thoughts must be analyze logically by using scientific methods. It is based on the psychological analysis of human experiences in the form of primary feeling and effects.

The philosophy was trying to prove the futility of metaphysics in the process of knowledge construction. At present child centered system of education advocates two ways of knowing that is experience and intelligence as suggested by logical positivism seem to be appropriate. Knowledge of physical world acquired by experience and knowledge based on intelligence can be tested by giving reasons. We must encourage learners to test their knowledge through analysis or experiments. A teacher must provide progressive, democratic and inclusive environment to establish principles on the bases of fact and experiences. The another thought associated with this philosophy which consider a language an important medium to express their thoughts. These thoughts may be in the form of thinking, questioning, welcoming, praying and estimating etc. Formation of ideas is an intellectual process, we forms an idea as we perceive from the environment. As a result, a subjectivity may be involved in getting the reality of an idea or object. It believes that the focus of education is not only to propound the principles but to eradicate the doubts and dissatisfaction created by mind. Thus, the teacher must provide an opportunity to express their doubts and try to solve them with logical justification. The another focus of this philosophy was verification and reliability of knowledge. It believes only that statement is meaningful which can be verified by experiences or perceptions. Learners must receive training to form basic idea, creating hypothesis and procedure to verify the knowledge. Thus, we can conclude that the philosophical views of logical positivism are really helpful to make your teaching learning more meaningful. It provides an ability to observe, analyze and verify the knowledge acquired. It also helpful to improve reasoning power among students to verify every bits of knowledge. The purpose of education is to develop purposive behavior among students which motivate them to observe, learn and accept only those things which is meaningful for them in daily life and satisfy their present needs.