Liberal Education is a pedagogical system that aims at cultivating a free human being, homini libera. It is usually based on the medieval concept of the artes liberales that offer a grounding formation and solid basis for postgraduate education. It is commonly accepted that Liberal Education is truly an education for its own sake – excluding any consideration of utility, personal gain and future profession.
As we can deduct from the word alone, there must be something that sets us free. This something (someone) is the Truth itself (himself); with a capital T. Prior to this, however, if anything (anyone) is to set us free, we have to acknowledge the existence of (this) objective reality before it (he) can do so. At the core of Liberal Education stands thus the Truth. The Truth about the physical and metaphysical, the unmoved and the moving, the temporal and the eternal. A denial of the Truth (THE nut) then, in a nutshell, makes Liberal Education into a nutshell – lacking its essence, purpose, meaning and heart.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract.
- Introduction.
- The heart of the argument - The Abolition of Man.
- Men without Chests.
- The Way.
- The Abolition of Man.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the views of C.S. Lewis and David Foster Wallace on the concept of a proper liberal education and the importance of objective truth, which Lewis refers to as "the Tao." Lewis, in "The Abolition of Man," argues for universal values in education, while Wallace, in "This Is Water," emphasizes the significance of living a meaningful life after being liberated by truth.
- The role of objective truth (the Tao) in liberal education
- The dangers of subjective values and indoctrination in education
- The consequences of a society that rejects objective truth
- The importance of living a meaningful life after receiving a liberal education
- The limitations of instinct and the necessity of value judgments
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- In "Men without Chests," Lewis criticizes the prevalent method of education, which prioritizes subjective feelings over objective reality. He argues that this approach creates a generation of individuals who are disconnected from the truth and lack moral foundation. Lewis highlights the dangers of indoctrinating children with subjective values and emphasizes the importance of a proper education that fosters a sense of veneration for objective reality.
- "The Way" delves deeper into the consequences of neglecting objective truth in education. Lewis asserts that indoctrinating children with subjective values leads to the eventual destruction of society and humanity. He argues that the rejection of the Tao, or objective truth, results in an artificial system of values that cannot sustain a meaningful and morally sound society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The central focus of this paper lies in the concept of "liberal education," particularly as it pertains to the role of objective truth (the Tao). Other key terms include subjective values, indoctrination, objective reality, value judgments, and the consequences of denying or rejecting objective truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Liberal Education" according to the text?
It is a pedagogical system based on the "artes liberales" that aims to cultivate a free human being for the sake of education itself, rather than for utility or profession.
What does C.S. Lewis mean by "the Tao"?
In "The Abolition of Man," Lewis uses the term "the Tao" to represent objective reality and universal moral values that should be at the heart of education.
What are "Men without Chests"?
This is a term used by Lewis to describe individuals who lack the bridge between intellect and instinct because they have been taught to view all values as purely subjective.
What is David Foster Wallace’s contribution to this discussion?
Wallace emphasizes the importance of living a meaningful life and the awareness needed to navigate the world after being liberated by truth.
Why is the denial of objective Truth problematic for education?
A denial of Truth strips Liberal Education of its essence and purpose, potentially turning education into a form of indoctrination based on subjective whims.
- Quote paper
- Matthias J. F. Reichard V. (Author), 2019, On the importance of safeguarding the Truth in pedagogical systems. C. S. Lewis and David Foster Wallace concerning "Liberal education – remaining within the Tao", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/477604
