Praxis (process)
Praxis is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the integration of action, reflection, and change as essential components of learning and personal development. Originating from the Greek word for "practice" or "doing," the term was notably explored by Aristotle, who identified it as one of the fundamental attributes that define human existence. In his framework, praxis connects theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical considerations in actions aimed at benefiting humanity.
Modern interpretations of praxis suggest it as a dynamic interplay between theoretical concepts and practical experiences, where each informs and shapes the other. This cyclical process often involves stages like initial experience, reflection, concept development, and further action, encouraging continuous learning. Influential thinkers such as Hannah Arendt and sociologist Anthony Giddens have elaborated on these ideas, viewing praxis as a realization of human freedom and a critical reflection on one’s thought processes. Today, praxis is widely applied in education and organizational contexts to foster active learning and skill development, reflecting its enduring relevance across diverse fields.
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Praxis (process)
Praxis is a philosophical concept in which learning is realized through the process of action, reflection, and change. The word praxis is Greek for “practice,” “action,” or “doing.” It was first described by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who considered it one of the three basic attributes of humans. Praxis is one step in the fundamental pursuit of intellectual truth. The process begins with developing theoretical knowledge that is then realized through praxis, or actively reflecting on the knowledge. In the modern era, the idea of praxis has been adapted for use by educators, organizations, and businesses to help in developing active learning strategies.
Overview
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who lived during the fourth century BCE, was one of the most influential thinkers in history. His views on existence and the nature of human thought shaped the views of philosophers for centuries to come. In his works, Aristotle developed the concept that humans can be defined by three basic attributes: theoria, poiesis, and praxis. Theoria is the process of observing or thinking; poiesis is the activity of making or bringing something into existence; and praxis is a combination of the two as practical thought or reflection towards the goal of action. In Aristotle’s view, praxis needed to be implemented in a moral and just manner with the intention of acting in the best interests of humankind. The Greeks referred to this consideration of what is good for others as phronesis, or practical wisdom.
Later philosophers used Aristotle’s idea of praxis in their writings, with some refining the idea for use in a wide variety of disciplines. A modern view on praxis is that it is marriage between theory and practice with both affecting the other. In this view, theory is an abstract concept denoting the beginning of true knowledge. Theory is simply the thought or the formulation of an idea. Practice is an action or the process of doing something. Praxis is the process in which the knowledge found in theory is actively applied through practice to find a solution to a problem or draw a conclusion. Praxis is not the result of the process, but is the active thinking about or reflecting on the knowledge that leads to the result. Noted sociologist Anthony Giddens described praxis as the act of “thinking about thinking.”
Some modern views on praxis break the concept into four stages. The process begins with an initial or new experience. That experience is then subjected to a period of reflection and observation. Then, a new concept is developed. That new concept is then realized through further reflective action. Others see praxis as a cyclical process in which reflection leads to learning which then leads to action. In taking action, a person can discover new experiences or new ways of responding to a situation, thereby starting the praxis process over again. These concepts have been adopted for use in many modern fields, such as in the classroom to help students improve their learning skills and by businesses to aid employees in grasping new concepts.
Bibliography
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