RADICAL CONSTRUCTIVISM

by Ernst von Glasersfeld

First Published in 1995. In the past decade or two, the most important theoretical perspective to emerge in mathematics education has been that of constructivism. This burst onto the international scene at the controversial Eleventh International Conference on the Psychology of Mathematics Education in Montreal in the summer of 1987. No one there will forget von Glasersfeld's authoritative plenary presentation on radical con­structivism, and his replies to critics. Ironically, the conference, at which attacks on radical constructivism were perhaps intended to expose fatally its weaknesses, served as a platform from which the theory was launched to widespread international acceptance and approbation. Radical constructivism is a theory of knowing that provides a pragmatic approach to questions about reality, truth, language and human understanding. It breaks with the philosophical tradition and proposes a conception of knowledge that focuses on experiential fit rather than metaphysical truth. It claims to be a useful approach, not the revelation of a timeless world. The ten chapters of this book present different facets in an elegantly written and thoroughly argued account of this epistemological position, providing a profound analysis of its central concepts.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Psychology, Education

230 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1995

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Radical Constructivism" is an outstanding book about a new way to understand knowledge and learning. Most books about knowledge and epistemology are philosophy books, but this one also includes the developmental psychology of Jean Piaget. In essence, constructivism teaches that humans construct knowledge dynamically based on their experiences in life. Knowledge is not about facts, but about learning what works and what doesn't as one goes about living and surviving in a challenging world. This book is written in clear, easy-to-understand language, and it offers a way of understanding knowledge and learning that makes sense given the subjective psychological nature of human experience. I'm glad I found this book--I've been searching for it for most of my life.

[Nelly Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mein zweites Buch, mit dem ich in die Welt des Konstruktivismus eingetaucht bin. Ideen, die meine Sichtweise auf die Welt geändert haben und Verbindungen zu anderen Gebieten ziehen.

[Christian Moore-Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very well written, gives a sensation of wisdom. Very persuasive.

[Sven Emmrich]

Von Glasersfled is truly a unique character even a lot isn't valid under today's scientific scrutiny but very inspiring approach