What is constructivism?

Answer

The concept of constructivism carries various meanings depending on the context. In relation to the Bible, the term is used in discussions about educational approaches or epistemology, which explores how we determine what is true. Other interpretations of the concept may not be as relevant to Scripture or may have narrower implications.

All forms of constructivism are based on the idea that humans comprehend everything through relationships. While this is akin to structuralism, there are significant distinctions. Structuralism presupposes an understanding of broader, overarching themes or concepts that help interpret other ideas. In contrast, constructivism operates on a smaller scale, suggesting that our truths are shaped by experiences, and these constructed truths form the foundation of our comprehension of other matters.

In the realm of education, constructivism is a widely accepted methodology. Although not always explicitly mentioned, this philosophy underpins many teaching practices. The approach posits that students learn most effectively through active participation and firsthand experiences rather than passive instruction. Constructivist teaching methods are interactive, emphasizing experimentation, the use of Socratic questioning, and the discovery of ideas through self-exploration. Like any educational philosophy, constructivism has its proponents and critics.

The educational principles of constructivism find some support in the Bible. The Christian faith is often portrayed as a belief that should be lived out (James 2:17-18) and practiced, as seen in «But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.» (Hebrews 5:14). Lear

Striving to follow Christ is a personal journey (2 Corinthians 13:5;2 Timothy 2:15), not something we can merely imitate or adopt from others (Matthew 3:9;John 8:39-40). The entire concept of trust, which is how the Bible truly defines “faith,” is rooted in our personal awareness of God’s presence and character «but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. », (Jeremiah 31:33). It is reasonable to state that the Christian journey reflects that particular aspect of a constructivist mindset: we must individually encounter certain things to truly comprehend them, and our resulting understanding of those concepts is inherently personal «But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. », (1 Corinthians 2:14).

When discussing epistemology, however, the term constructivism becomes less sustainable. Epistemology pertains to our perception of truth; it is most accurately described as the “philosophy of how we know things.” Philosophers differentiate ontology, a “philosophy of what exists,” from epistemology, a “philosophy of how (or what) we know.” Constructivist epistemology would propose that all truths are fundamentally based on human experience.

This notion of constructivism directly contradicts the belief in a single objective truth, a stance often known as objectivism. Constructivist epistemology, therefore, can be succinctly summarized.— if simplistically — as subjectivism or relativism. Under relativism, truth depends on the perspective of each person or group, and there is no ultimate standard. Practically, this implies no single perspective is inherently superior to any other, nor can it be considered more or less correct.

Like all forms of relativism, constructivist epistemology suffers from a fatal flaw: it is self-defeating. If constructivism is only true for some people, then it is not true for others. This means it is entirely false — since objectivism is now “true” somewhere. Similarly, epistemological constructivists claim to do what constructivism asserts cannot be done: to see “beyond” the limitations of one’s own experiences to perceive a universal truth.

Beyond simple logic, the Bible also provides reasons to dismiss constructivism in the context of epistemology. Scripture speaks of truth versus lies (Proverbs 14:5;1 John 1:6), sin versus righteousness (Proverbs 13:6;1 Peter 2:24), and salvation versus damnation (Revelation 20:11-15;John 14:6).

In short, the Bible indicates that there is an actual, objective reality. Anything conflicting with objective truth is false, regardless of human understanding of that truth, and regardless of personal preferences (Romans 1:18-21;Matthew 7:21-23). Human understanding may be shaped by reflecting on experiences, but experiences can only reveal truth; they cannot create it.