What can now arise to confront the unfortunate trajectory of philosophy, which considers knowledge as its end rather than as the means to some greater purpose of truth and justice?
Democracy and Education
A Quest for the Abolition of Man
When the ‘Tao’ becomes a product of the educational system, it no longer has the power to keep mankind from destroying himself through utter submission to natural and irrational impulses. These will be exercised by a few over all the rest in a haphazard manner that invites no judgement of good or evil because these concepts in themselves are open to being shaped by those who happen to be in power at the moment.
When the Stars Lost Their Divinity
We must see through some things, but Lewis suggests that humanity itself should not be on the agenda for a reduction to some element of nature that can be manipulated and changed.
An Educator’s Reflection on “The Abolition of Man” by C.S. Lewis
It has already taken several readings to grasp a basic understanding of the brilliance contained within this little book (it is less than 100 pages). However, I think it well worth the time spent to understand the ideas it proposes and will probably continue to dig for what I think is the hidden solution to a balanced educational approach that can develop the individuals sense of morality without forcing them to embrace the academic anorexia that plagues the contemporary college and high school campus experience.
Of Science & Magic – The Abolition of Man
“For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality, and the solution had been knowledge, self-discipline, and virtue. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men: the solution is a technique; and both, in the practice of this technique, are ready to do things hitherto regarded as disgusting and impious
How A Value for Education Vanished from Modern Schools
In an attempt not to teach any values, the value of facts also disappears leaving students with no incentive to learn - except perhaps the fear of bad grades. It seems like we must either embrace some standard of value (or angle of truth) in order to make the learning experience have any significance for the student.
The Natural Process of Learning
This essay synthesizes research from the area of self directed learning and developments in digital learning technology to define underlying principles of learning that can help students maximize the natural learning process by transcending or maximizing their available contexts and opportunities.
On the Nature of Observation
If I am new to writing, it will be difficult for me to make a value statement about the quality of one author or another. On the other hand, I will quickly be able to discern my feelings toward that author. Perhaps the function of human-centered learning is not to dismiss either sort of observation, but rather to help the individual recognize where each one is valuable in the process of education.
A Review of “The Courage to Teach” by Parker J. Palmer
Welcoming the Person Back to the Process of Education When I first opened the book “The Courage to Teach” by Parker Palmer, I had no idea that the ideas it contained would connect with me so strongly. To begin with, I have never had a problem with facing a classroom - in part because I have … Continue reading A Review of “The Courage to Teach” by Parker J. Palmer
John Dewey – Experience & Education
Everyone is learning, all the time. Whether or not this learning leads to positive results depends upon internal as well as external factors that vary for every student. John Dewey’s book Experience & Education liberated my idea of education from its confined location in a school classroom and brought the importance of learning into every area of life.
Human-Centered Learning 