Ontologi Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial dalam Perspektif Filsafat Ilmu dan Pendidikan: Kajian Konseptual dan Implikasinya terhadap Pembentukan Karakter Peserta Didik

Abstract

This article examines the ontological foundations of Social Studies (IPS) from the perspectives of philosophy of science and educational theory. By employing a conceptual literature review approach, this study addresses three central questions: what ontology means in the context of IPS education; what objects constitute the ontological domain of IPS; and how ontological foundations shape the body of knowledge of IPS as an educational discipline. The findings reveal that the ontological basis of IPS centers on social reality encompassing human beings, society, and socio-cultural environments framed in an interdisciplinary manner for educational purposes. Ten thematic domains derived from international curriculum standards serve as the structural backbone of IPS knowledge, ranging from culture, time and change, space and environment, individual identity, social institutions, governance, economics, science and technology, global interconnection, to civic values. In the Indonesian context, these universal themes are enriched by Pancasila values and local wisdom, ensuring that IPS functions not merely as academic content delivery but as a medium for character formation. A clear ontological grounding empowers educators to design meaningful, integrated, and value-laden learning experiences that cultivate reflective, critically thinking, and morally grounded citizens consistent with national educational goals.