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I don't think I should be paying for others to study simply because they prefer a different modality of learning, especially when it has been found that learnin

by rsanek 2y ago

I don't think I should be paying for others to study simply because they prefer a different modality of learning, especially when it has been found that learning modality selection has nearly zero impact on actual learning outcomes. Now, if this was structured as a negative tax system, where eg everyone after graduating high school starts with -$10k in taxable income for a handful of years, perhaps that could avoid punishing those that choose to self-study.

stouset 2y ago
This line of reasoning can be used, unmodified, to argue against essentially all of public education. An educated populace is an inherent good. There’s nothing magic about the particular choice of K-12, and one could very convincingly argue that with the increasing complexity of modern life and increasing expectations from employers that ongoing adult education is also a net good, even when you’re not the recipient. Ongoing education can also be vocational for those who aren’t inclined towards typical academia. Cynically, one can also point to the current political administration of the U.S. (and the comparative education rates for its voters) as a case in point for why education is important.
- stego-tech 2y ago
  Very well said. Education, at its core, is about adapting the species to better survive the increasingly complex world it creates and inhabits. Failing to educate the whole means exposing it to fracture and exploitation from within. It’s inoculation against exploitation, a mental vaccine that, when done right, promotes cooperation over self-interest. Which is exactly why those who are threatened by it, seek to restrict or destroy it.
- borgdefenser 2y ago
  You can already take classes for free on youtube from the best instructors in the world at the best universities. What more do you want? People just like to complain about political issues as a type of entertainment.
  - BandButcher 2y ago
    Completely anecdotal, current student, but some people learn differently from in person class vs online/remote. Also, imo not every degree/course is best done online (e.g., trades, arts, performing arts). Right now I am taking classes which cannot be done online. I do however understand where you are coming from. MIT courseware is abundant, youtube, library resources, github `awesome` lists... If there wasn't bureaucracy/capitalism surrounding higher education i wouldn't mind it coming from tax dollars since it would be another log added to the fire per se. Plus it helps to create a stronger workforce (theoretically, assuming graduates). Without the right safeguards, free college edu wouldn't work, would be nice tho
  - stouset 2y ago
    There are hundreds of channels on YouTube providing everything a child needs to learn arithmetic and reading skills. Why should we even provide K-12? I consider this a matter of extreme importance. Your gutter-tier hot take makes me think you may be the one confusing this with entertainment.
lurking_swe 2y ago
“i don’t think i should be paying” - if it could benefit your community or the country, then why not? It gives people options. Not everything is a zero sum game. That’s just a fact of living in a society. Some people pay in to the system much more than you, and you benefit from that. And vise versa, there’s someone paying less and they benefit from your contributions (taxes, etc). That’s what society is about. A system that allows citizens to thrive. It’s not supposed to be about ME ME ME. Just my 2 cents…as an american that’s tired of this attitude. Capitalism with small guardrails is garbage in my opinion. On a somewhat related note - many americans think free healthcare is not worthwhile because it’s a net negative for them PERSONALLY. I struggle to understand that as well. Like “oh i don’t want to pay for that”. Meanwhile most of your fellow americans can’t afford basic care. What’s the end game??? You’re entitled to your opinion of course but i don’t _understand_ it.

by rsanek 2y ago

stouset 2y ago

This line of reasoning can be used, unmodified, to argue against essentially all of public education. An educated populace is an inherent good. There’s nothing magic about the particular choice of K-12, and one could very convincingly argue that with the increasing complexity of modern life and increasing expectations from employers that ongoing adult education is also a net good, even when you’re not the recipient. Ongoing education can also be vocational for those who aren’t inclined towards typical academia. Cynically, one can also point to the current political administration of the U.S. (and the comparative education rates for its voters) as a case in point for why education is important.

stego-tech 2y ago
Very well said. Education, at its core, is about adapting the species to better survive the increasingly complex world it creates and inhabits. Failing to educate the whole means exposing it to fracture and exploitation from within. It’s inoculation against exploitation, a mental vaccine that, when done right, promotes cooperation over self-interest. Which is exactly why those who are threatened by it, seek to restrict or destroy it.
borgdefenser 2y ago
You can already take classes for free on youtube from the best instructors in the world at the best universities. What more do you want? People just like to complain about political issues as a type of entertainment.
- BandButcher 2y ago
  Completely anecdotal, current student, but some people learn differently from in person class vs online/remote. Also, imo not every degree/course is best done online (e.g., trades, arts, performing arts). Right now I am taking classes which cannot be done online. I do however understand where you are coming from. MIT courseware is abundant, youtube, library resources, github `awesome` lists... If there wasn't bureaucracy/capitalism surrounding higher education i wouldn't mind it coming from tax dollars since it would be another log added to the fire per se. Plus it helps to create a stronger workforce (theoretically, assuming graduates). Without the right safeguards, free college edu wouldn't work, would be nice tho
- stouset 2y ago
  There are hundreds of channels on YouTube providing everything a child needs to learn arithmetic and reading skills. Why should we even provide K-12? I consider this a matter of extreme importance. Your gutter-tier hot take makes me think you may be the one confusing this with entertainment.

lurking_swe 2y ago

“i don’t think i should be paying” - if it could benefit your community or the country, then why not? It gives people options. Not everything is a zero sum game. That’s just a fact of living in a society. Some people pay in to the system much more than you, and you benefit from that. And vise versa, there’s someone paying less and they benefit from your contributions (taxes, etc). That’s what society is about. A system that allows citizens to thrive. It’s not supposed to be about ME ME ME. Just my 2 cents…as an american that’s tired of this attitude. Capitalism with small guardrails is garbage in my opinion. On a somewhat related note - many americans think free healthcare is not worthwhile because it’s a net negative for them PERSONALLY. I struggle to understand that as well. Like “oh i don’t want to pay for that”. Meanwhile most of your fellow americans can’t afford basic care. What’s the end game??? You’re entitled to your opinion of course but i don’t _understand_ it.