Just Thinking Podcast EP # 133 | Public Education
Explore the historical roots and ideological influences behind public education, revealing its shift from knowledge to indoctrination. The hosts critique John Dewey's pragmatism and highlight the tension between traditional values and modern educational philosophy. Delve into social-emotional learning's implications and its alignment with secular beliefs. They also stress the need for parental authority and challenge the growing disconnect between funding and educational outcomes. This thought-provoking discussion urges listeners to reevaluate their role in shaping their children's education.
03:21:51
Public Education's True Purpose
- Public education in America wasn't designed for academics.
- It was a means of cultural and ideological formation, a competing discipleship system.
Dewey's Pragmatism and Truth
- John Dewey's pragmatism shifted how we understand truth; truth is what works.
- This rejects the Christian view that truth corresponds to reality, grounded in God.
Dewey's Lasting Legacy
- Though men may die, their ideas live on, as seen with Dewey's lasting influence.
- Dewey's educational pragmatism continues to shape public education today.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exciting Announcements and Sponsorship Details
01:34 • 2min
Navigating the Landscape of Public Education
03:28 • 16min
Dewey's Pragmatism in Education
19:10 • 22min
The Legacy and Critique of Public Education
41:01 • 28min
The Shift in Educational Philosophy
01:08:39 • 15min
Navigating Education: Ideology vs. Learning
01:23:22 • 27min
The Fallacy of Racial Ideologies in Addressing Sin
01:50:44 • 2min
The Intersection of Education and Ideology
01:53:00 • 24min
The Contradictions of Critical Pedagogy in Public Discourse
02:17:23 • 2min
SEL: A Critical Examination
02:19:48 • 19min
Critique of American Educational System and Social Control
02:39:14 • 1min
The Evolution of American Public Education
02:40:39 • 2min
The Crisis of Public Education
02:42:12 • 29min
The Family's Role in Education
03:11:40 • 9min
Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen
In this book, Machen presents a robust defense of Christian orthodoxy and a strong critique of theological liberalism. He argues that liberalism, grounded in naturalism, rejects the supernatural elements of Christianity and reinterprets traditional doctrinal beliefs in metaphorical categories. Machen examines key doctrines such as the Bible, Christ, salvation, and the church, highlighting the antithetical nature of liberalism to historic Christianity. He emphasizes that liberalism is not merely a different interpretation of Christianity but a distinct and non-Christian system of thought[2][3][4].
Cynical Theories
Helen Pluckrose
James A. Lindsay
In this book, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay document the evolution of postmodern thought from its origins in French postmodernism to its current applications in activist academic fields such as postcolonial theory, queer theory, critical race theory, and intersectionality. They argue that the unchecked proliferation of these ideas, which often assert that knowledge is a social construct, science and reason are tools of oppression, and language is dangerous, presents a significant threat to liberal democracy and modernity. The authors warn that these beliefs, while intended to address social injustices, often do more harm than good, particularly to the marginalized communities they aim to support.
The Vision of the Anointed
Thomas Sowell
In this book, Thomas Sowell critiques the social policies of the past thirty years, arguing that they are a result of a tainted vision held by elites, which he terms 'the anointed'. Sowell contrasts this vision with the 'tragic vision', which recognizes the world as one of limited options and trade-offs. He argues that the anointed replace facts and rational thinking with rhetorical assertions, leading to crises in education, crime, and family dynamics. The book also examines how the anointed maintain their influence through institutions like universities, media, and the judiciary, and how their vision offers a special state of moral superiority to its adherents[1][2][4].
Knowledge and Decisions
Thomas Sowell
In 'Knowledge and Decisions,' Thomas Sowell examines how social and economic knowledge is transmitted through society and its impact on decision making. The book is divided into two parts: 'Social Institutions' and 'Trends and Issues.' Sowell argues against the centralization of decision-making power, advocating for decentralized decision making and criticizing the role of intellectuals and government agencies in distorting knowledge and decision-making processes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the incentives and constraints that influence decision makers and warns about the dangers of abstract and elitist social visions replacing actual knowledge. The book won the 1980 Law and Economics Center Prize for its significant contribution to understanding the differences between market and government processes[1][4][5].
Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Paulo Freire
Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" is a seminal work in education theory that critiques traditional, banking-style education and advocates for a more liberating approach. Freire argues that education should be a transformative process that empowers students to critically analyze their world and challenge oppressive structures. He emphasizes dialogue and participatory learning as essential tools for fostering critical consciousness and social change. The book's enduring influence lies in its challenge to traditional power dynamics in education and its call for a more just and equitable learning environment. Freire's work has inspired educators and activists around the world to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning.
The Vision of the Anointed
Thomas Sowell
In this book, Thomas Sowell critiques the social policies of the past thirty years, arguing that they are a result of a tainted vision held by elites, which he terms 'the anointed'. Sowell contrasts this vision with the 'tragic vision', which recognizes the world as one of limited options and trade-offs. He argues that the anointed replace facts and rational thinking with rhetorical assertions, leading to crises in education, crime, and family dynamics. The book also examines how the anointed maintain their influence through institutions like universities, media, and the judiciary, and how their vision offers a special state of moral superiority to its adherents[1][2][4].
Dumbing Us Down
The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
John Taylor Gatto
Inside American Education
Thomas Sowell
In 'Inside American Education', Thomas Sowell critiques the American educational system for abandoning traditional goals of knowledge transmission in favor of social and ideological agendas. He discusses issues such as teacher qualifications, indoctrination, and the impact of political ideologies on education. The book argues that these factors contribute to the system's inefficiencies and failures.
On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin
Published on November 24, 1859, 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin is a seminal work in scientific literature. The book presents a comprehensive theory of evolution, arguing that species evolve over generations through the process of natural selection. Darwin supported his theory with evidence collected during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, as well as from subsequent research, correspondence, and experimentation. The book addresses the struggle for existence, the variability of species, and the principle of divergence, explaining how natural selection leads to the adaptation and diversification of life on Earth. It has been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology and has had significant impacts on both scientific and public discourse[2][4][5].
The Marxification of Education
null
James A. Lindsay
School
School
The Story of American Public Education
David Tyak
Education and Social Change
Education and Social Change
Contours in the History of American Schooling
L. John Rury
We Make the Road by Walking
Conversations on Education and Social Change
Paulo Freire
Education, Christianity, and the state
J. Gresham Machen
Father of Pragmatism in Education, Philosophy, Who and Why
Father of Pragmatism in Education, Philosophy, Who and Why
John Dewey
African-American Education and Social Studies
African-American Education and Social Studies
Teaching the History of African-American Education Within a Critical Pedagogy Framework
David Childs
The Power of Transformative Social-Emotional Learning
The Power of Transformative Social-Emotional Learning
Alex Del Castillo
Schooled to Order
Schooled to Order
A Social History of Public Schooling in the United States
David Nassau
In this episode of the Just Thinking podcast, Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker provide one of the most comprehensive expositions of the history and purpose of public schools you will hear anywhere. Public education was never about education—it was always about indoctrination. Schools don’t merely teach facts; they shape souls. And today, they're molding the children of Christian parents into the image of progressive ideology, not Christ. Parents, ask yourself: Who’s really discipling your kids?
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