Developing Classical Thinkers Wonder Leading Onto Wisdom: A Conversation with Ravi Jain and Phillip Johnson
May 9, 2023
51:03
Since ancient times, classical educators regarded math as a subject to make one wise. Math demonstrates the order, beauty, and harmony in the world around us in a way language cannot always do, and classical education roots the teaching of math in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. In this episode, host Winston Brady speaks with Phillip Johnson, Professor of Engineering and Sciences at Thales College, and Ravi Jain, an Alcuin Fellow, author of "The Liberal Arts Tradition," and the graduate scholar in science and religion at Oriel College, Oxford University.
In the episode, they discuss the history of mathematics education, as well as the ways in which mathematics helps students better understand truth and beauty, and thereby gain wisdom and virtue. We can use mathematics not only to solve problems but also to gain confidence that our world is not inherently random and chaotic—that there is an order to the world that we can see, test, and demonstrate through the power of mathematical reasoning.
In the episode, they discuss the history of mathematics education, as well as the ways in which mathematics helps students better understand truth and beauty, and thereby gain wisdom and virtue. We can use mathematics not only to solve problems but also to gain confidence that our world is not inherently random and chaotic—that there is an order to the world that we can see, test, and demonstrate through the power of mathematical reasoning.