Instructivism

Instructivism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the role of persuasion and instruction in shaping individual behavior and public opinion. Proponents of instructivism argue that people are often unaware of the influences that shape their decisions and attitudes, and that effective instruction and persuasion can positively impact individual behavior and social outcomes.

Instructivists often cite the work of Richard Hofstadter, who argued in his 1963 book "The Age of Reform" that Americans are shaped by strong cultural values and historical forces, and that education and instruction can play a significant role in shaping these attitudes. They also often find common ground with theory of social learning, which suggests that individuals learn and adopt new behaviors and attitudes through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.

In instructivist approaches, the idea of individual agency and free will is often questioned or seen as limited. Instead, instructivists often see individuals as susceptible to external influences, and seek to design instructional and persuasive strategies that take into account these dynamics. This approach is often used in fields such as education, marketing, and public policy, where the aim is to influence public opinion or shape individual behavior.

Criticisms of instructivism include concerns that such approaches can be coercive or manipulative, undermining individual autonomy and free will. Some argue that instructivism can also overlook the complexities of human decision-making, and ignore structural or systemic factors that shape individual behavior. Nevertheless, instructivism remains an influential perspective in understanding the role of persuasion and instruction in shaping human behavior and social outcomes.