The Logical Relationship Between Determinism and Pragmatism: Implications for Creative Education

Education, as a value-laden activity, is rooted in philosophical assumptions about human nature, knowledge, and truth. Despite considerable scholarly attention to determinism and pragmatism as independent philosophical theories, most studies tend to present determinism as a rigid system of universal causal laws, and pragmatism as an experience-based philosophy that emphasizes change and the practical utility of ideas. However, insufficient attention has been given to clarifying how these two concepts intersect or complement each other in relation to creative education.This paper, therefore, explores the logical relationship between determinism and pragmatism in order to examine how they interact in fostering creativity. To achieve this, the paper begins with an exposition of the logically necessary conditions of these concepts, demonstrating how they are interconnected in such a way that each concept relates meaningfully to the other. The methodological approach adopted is philosophical, aimed at drawing out the implications for creative education. The paper argues that the relationship between determinism and pragmatism allows for flexibility and can be understood as complementary within the framework of creative education. It further highlights that creative education flourishes and innovation emerges at the intersection of determinism and pragmatism, rather than in their separation. The study affirms that a synthesis of deterministic awareness and pragmatic orientation provides a balanced philosophical foundation for fostering creativity in education. Finally, the paper recommends that educators and curriculum designers should recognize the influence of natural laws while promoting experimental learning approaches to enhance creativity through innovation and critical thinking.

Determinism, Pragmatism, Creative education, Experimental learning, Creativity

1. Aladejana, T. I. (2014). Philosophical foundation of education. Macmillan Publishers. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Akinpelu, J. A. (2005). Essays in philosophy of education: Rousseau's Emile – The problem of individual and society (19), 103. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ayeni, J. O. (2016). Rudiments of philosophy of education Green Line Publishers. 3, (4), 8. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ayeni, M. A. (2015). Philosophy of education: An introduction: The concept of education Petra Educational Publishers. 2 (2), 28. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Dada, M. A. (2015). The concept of creativity and its implications for teaching and learning (Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation). Faculty of Education, University of Ado-Ekiti. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Kappa Delta. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Federal Government of Nigeria. (2023). National policy on education (Revised ed.). NERDC Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Hassan, M.A: (2018). An introduction to philosophy of education. HM Ayeni and Company Publishers. 4, 43–49 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. James, S. J. Royce. (1969). Self-determination and its limits: Man and meaning. McGraw-Hill Book Company. 162–163. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Ojo, O. D. (2018). Philosophy of education for tertiary institutions. It Is by God's Grace Publishing Company 3 (1), 34. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Omoregbe, J. I. (1993). Ethics: A systematic and historical study Joja Press. 2, 3–40. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Singha, J. K. (2018). Philosophical foundations of education. Apex Publishing Corporation 1 (2). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Towoju, T. K. (2016). The logical relationship between determinism and freedom and its bearing on education. Ekiti State University Journal of Education, 6(1), 49–57. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Enhancing Formation Control of Multi Agent Systems Using Ann Based Technique
• Improving Sliding Mode Control with Chattering Reduction using Fuzzy Based Technique
• Cooking Quality, Fasting Blood Glucose, Glycemic Index and Load of High–Fiber Noodles Made from Wheat, Tiger Nut Residue and Cassava Flour Blends
• Matrix Rhythm Therapy Versus Interferential Therapy Combined with Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Comparative Trial
• Formulation and Sensory Evaluation of Functional Cake Prepared from Sweet Potato Powder