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What parts of formal education is 'core to life'? Genuine question. I question the value of obligatory education at all in it's current state. What do you get

What parts of formal education is 'core to life'? Genuine question. I question the value of obligatory education at all in it's current state. What do you get for your 10+ years? The only indispensable skills gained of concrete benefit for most citizens are the ability to read and write. Otherwise, some general notions that may or may not be of use in your life. I have spent most of my life in education and independent study, and am a proponent of learning and knowledge. But I have also spent time with people without formal education. They are often sharp and inquisitive individuals, and if they don't know about how to prove contorted geometric theorems that we do in high school, so what? Just a train of thought.

kermittd 9y ago
I've discussed the same thing in other threads. It always comes down to some notion that people have to learn skills to exist in society. This is true but I've always argued with educators and parents that the time for that is grade or middle school. If people cant do Calc or don't know where the Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place society will not suffer. My generation should be the last to have this nonsense crammed down out throats.
ubernostrum 9y ago
I am a strong supporter of universal liberal-arts education with a focus on critical thinking. The reasoning is simple: merely being able to "read and write" is not enough to be a functioning citizen of a democracy. Effective citizenship requires the ability to read for comprehension and critique, to write effectively and persuasively, to reason about complex issues for which there may well be insufficient evidence to establish obvious and objective correct answers, to recognize ideas and philosophies and patterns from history. Merely being able to, say, read a utility bill or restaurant menu, or write a short email, do not suffice. And many people will, left to their own devices, learn to do little more than those, if they even learn as much as that (whether due to inclination or lack of opportunity).
- davidzweig 9y ago
  I don't disagree. But here's another point. In my view, the most fundamental things to teach would be the ability to keep an open mind, and intellectual honesty (being able to put aside your ego and admitting where your argument falls short). Also a respect for learning and education, even without the expectation of a concrete financial reward. Despite universal schooling, I would say these values are anything but universal, at least where I grew up.

kermittd 9y ago

I've discussed the same thing in other threads. It always comes down to some notion that people have to learn skills to exist in society. This is true but I've always argued with educators and parents that the time for that is grade or middle school. If people cant do Calc or don't know where the Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place society will not suffer. My generation should be the last to have this nonsense crammed down out throats.

ubernostrum 9y ago

I am a strong supporter of universal liberal-arts education with a focus on critical thinking. The reasoning is simple: merely being able to "read and write" is not enough to be a functioning citizen of a democracy. Effective citizenship requires the ability to read for comprehension and critique, to write effectively and persuasively, to reason about complex issues for which there may well be insufficient evidence to establish obvious and objective correct answers, to recognize ideas and philosophies and patterns from history. Merely being able to, say, read a utility bill or restaurant menu, or write a short email, do not suffice. And many people will, left to their own devices, learn to do little more than those, if they even learn as much as that (whether due to inclination or lack of opportunity).

davidzweig 9y ago
I don't disagree. But here's another point. In my view, the most fundamental things to teach would be the ability to keep an open mind, and intellectual honesty (being able to put aside your ego and admitting where your argument falls short). Also a respect for learning and education, even without the expectation of a concrete financial reward. Despite universal schooling, I would say these values are anything but universal, at least where I grew up.