Which philosophy emphasizes that man is a maker of meaning?

The philosophy that emphasizes that man is a maker of meaning is constructivism. This perspective posits that individuals actively construct their understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences and reflections. Rather than passively absorbing information, learners engage with their environment, interact with others, and use prior knowledge to interpret new information, thereby creating their own meaning.

Constructivism acknowledges that learning is a personal, subjective process where meaning is constructed based on experiences, social interactions, and the context in which one learns. This approach encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning, as it recognizes that knowledge is not fixed but is instead shaped by individual and collective experiences.

The other philosophies, while each having their own strengths and focus, do not center on the idea of individuals as active makers of meaning. Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and the stimuli that drive them, often neglecting the internal thought processes involved in constructing meaning. Essentialism emphasizes the importance of core knowledge and skills deemed essential for all students, generally following a more traditional approach to education. Progressivism, while promoting experiential learning and critical thinking, tends to focus more on social reform and preparing students to live in a democratic society rather than emphasizing personal meaning-making as its core principle.