5 ms·
Good observation. But I would say that the key takeaway from a good educational system isn't so much facts as it's the ability to discuss matters in a civil man
by mixmax 17y ago
Good observation. But I would say that the key takeaway from a good educational system isn't so much facts as it's the ability to discuss matters in a civil manner. Good discussion helps against polarisation.
The Internet hasn't exactly helped in teaching the public civil discourse. As you point out - just look at the comments in the article. Or on youtube, Digg, etc. A proper educational system will teach people to disagree based on facts and evidence, learn from their mistakes, and help them discern fact from anecdotal evidence, bad science, and good old-fashioned yelling.
- henrikschroder 17y agoIt's a known fact that electronic communication actually encourages disagreement, as opposed to face-to-face communication which encourages agreement, and from that you could draw the pessimistic conclusion that people will never learn to broaden their minds by discussing things over the internet. But at least they're talking to other people. At least they're actually exposed to differing viewpoints, many many more differing viewpoints than if the internet didn't exist. There's probably something good coming out of that, even if it looks like people are as small-minded as usual.
- hackerblues 17y ago"At least they're actually exposed to differing viewpoints, many many more differing viewpoints than if the internet didn't exist." (citation needed) It isn't at all obvious to me that this is true. It seems quite plausible that the vastness of the internet allows people to find specialised forums of people who all think exactly the same way they do. Eg, conservapedia.
- extension 17y agoMuch as the internet evolved from anti-social to ultra-social, I have to believe that one day, with the invention of the right tools, it will come to promote wisdom rather than exacerbate an existing form of ignorance, as it does today.