EXPLORING EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES: EPISTEMOLOGY, FEATURES, FUNCTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS IN PAKISTAN’S EDUCATION SYSTEM AND IIUI

Abstract

The present research aims to configure the epistemology and functions of four major western educational philosophies: perennialism, progressivism, internationalism, and experientialism along with the Islamic perennialism based on Islamic concept of epistemology and implications of all in Pakistani educational systems both at school and college and university level. The paper will examine the underlying theory, major advocates, and impact of each philosophy; teachers' and learners' role, the curriculum, and the environment in which each philosophy is used in the educational processes and the futuristic outcomes. Moreover, links will be drawn, establishing relationships between major educational philosophies and contemporary philosophies of education. The last part of the paper will discuss the impact of these philosophies on the education system in Pakistan. The section will highlight the prevailing philosophical trends in educational practices in the country, dilating religious perennialism and progressivism being embedded in the national educational system in Pakistan. Finally, the paper underlines the practical implementations of these philosophies in the curriculum of International Islamic University Islamabad. IIUI, since the principal author, being the alumni and regular faculty member for the past 25 years has worked as a focal person in syllabus design committee of English dept, which resonates the very ideology and basis of the university itself.