Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Philosophy represents the core values, beliefs, and guiding principles of an educational system.
Extension education is an informal, out-of-school system designed to foster self-reliance and critical thinking among rural people.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The basic philosophy of extension is to empower individuals to make their own rational, informed decisions.
- Teaching "what to think" is a prescriptive, top-down approach that encourages dependency and does not teach problem-solving skills.
- Teaching "how to think" provides people with the analytical skills and knowledge to identify their own problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and choose the best path forward.
Therefore, the core philosophy is teaching people "how to think, not what to think."
Step 3: Final Answer:
The philosophy focuses on "how to think," matching Option (A).