Philosophy and Knowledge in the Twenty-first Century: Redefining the Role of Universities and Schools

Abstract

AbstractPhilosophy and knowledge are indispensable in the process and practiceof education. The essence of education is to train human mind. Educationenables one to reason and think critically using mind. Knowledge is essentialin the process of education. What kinds of things can be known? How can itbe said that a learner knows something? These questions make knowledgeone of the most fundamental aspects of philosophy and education. Thispaper reviews literature to examine what knowledge is and what it ought tobe in the 21st century. It employs speculative approach, conceptual analysisand prescriptive research methods in philosophy to expound the creationof knowledge that will be relevant for the 21st century society. The paperhas revealed that there are educational initiatives in place that are beingtaken in the 21st century to set an educational agenda that meets the localand global standards/needs. This implies that universities and schoolshave an increased role to play in the 21st century including training andrecruiting learners, who can, at different levels, demonstrate creativity,critical thinking, communication and collaboration. The paper recommendsthat knowledge creation must extend to include the physical, mental,emotional and social domains of learning as required in the 21st century.Keywords: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, education,knowledge