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When discussing the relationship between philosophy and theory, it is essential that we first define the terms.

Let's begin with philosophy. It is as follows; a belief ( or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school. (Webster's Dictionary, 2013) Now, taking a look at the the definition of a theory, it is as so; a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a wide variety of circumstances. (Webster's Dictionary, 2013) So, a theory's primary function is to help explain the world we as a species live in. And, a philosophy uses a theory as a base and goes far beyond the measures of that base. For example; using the theory of evolution- it has been explained with artifacts, studies and many observation. Now, philosophy could analyze the theory of evolution and give meaning to certain findings and suggest how these things ought to be interpreted. The two are closely related, but differences are definitely prevalent.

When it comes to education, there are many different philosophies surrounding the topic. One closest to my heart is the progressivism movement. The world we live in is full of problems, is it not? We have deforestation, hunger, poverty and the mass destruction caused by war. The currents status of the world has apocalyptic implications. For many regions (Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc) I s here. So, in this world, we must ask ourselves: what is the function of education? Is it merely in order to pass some exams and get a job? Or is it to understand the process of life? Having a job and earning a livelihood is important, but it isn't everything. It is of great importance that we teach students the currents crisis of the world, for once understood there maybe new and innovative ways of thinking to come about to perhaps solve the issue and ease the suffering of the world.

So, How would one go about teaching such things? Not to imitate, but to discover- that is education. (Krishnamurti, 1964) Building an environment where the students of today are able to explore themselves, and actualize their niche, would be conducive first to society as well as the

individual themselves. Let's take Einstein for example- a self admitted flunk in early development, but later, once he found his niche would go on to be considered one of the greatest thinkers of all time. Imagine if he was put in an environment where students could thrive in a subject pertaining to their personal passions. And, catching those passions at an early age could lead to great innovation, ways of seeing the world and even the answers to age old questions that humanity has yet to answer.

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. (Albert Einstein, unknown) The function of education to me, is simply to bring about what the student already has instilled somewhere in their minds, but has yet to find the key to unlock their genius. It is there, and yet many of us go on without discovering that about ourselves because of the lack of foundation. But, if the progressive philosophy is implemented properly, we as a species should and will continue to survive.

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