Essentialists believe that what is relevant is what helps an individual live well. Essentialists also believe there is a core of information that an educated person must have. I do agree with certain aspects of this philosophy. Individuals should be taught skills, which will help them survive such as vocational, scientific, and technical skills. However, I do feel the individual child's interest and motivation are just as important as the basic skills.
Existentialism is the third type of philosophy.
Its primary focus is that we should define ourselves, and not accept any predetermined system. The only answer to problems comes from within the person. I am not a strong advocate of this philosophy because children are alone and must come up with their own meanings. I do feel children need guidance in defining themselves. As mentioned earlier, I am a strong supporter of progressivism.