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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" i
by 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 agoI 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.