Which perspective indicates that a learner can define themselves despite their environmental influences?

The existentialism perspective emphasizes the individual’s capacity to define themselves and create their own essence, even when faced with external influences such as societal norms, family expectations, or cultural pressures. According to existentialist philosophy, individuals are fundamentally free and responsible for their choices, which allows them to shape their identities and personal meanings. This approach posits that learners are not merely products of their environments; instead, they have the agency to confront and navigate these influences to carve out their unique paths.

Existentialism encourages self-reflection and personal authenticity, enabling learners to acknowledge their circumstances while asserting their individuality. This perspective regards education as a personal journey where learners are invited to explore their thoughts, emotions, and values, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves in relation to the world. In contrast, the other perspectives, like pragmatism, realism, and constructivism, may emphasize different aspects of learning and knowledge but do not focus as intensely on the autonomy of the individual in defining their existence amidst environmental factors.