The EI Podcast
The case for Classics
Jan 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Daisy Dunn, a classicist and author, Armand D’Angour, a Classics professor at Oxford, and Paul Lay, Senior Editor at Engelsberg Ideas, dive into the relevance and future of ancient languages like Latin and Greek. They explore the decline of Latin studies and the cognitive benefits of learning classical languages. The trio also critiques traditional teaching methods and celebrates innovative approaches that make these subjects more engaging, advocating for classical studies' crucial place in today's educational landscape.
42:48
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Quick takeaways
- The decline in Latin enrollment highlights an urgent need to reassess its value in modern education and intellectual development.
- Personal anecdotes from speakers reveal how early exposure to classical languages can inspire lifelong passions and academic pursuits.
Deep dives
The Decline of Latin in Education
The recent decision by the UK Department for Education to discontinue the Latin Excellence Programme in state schools highlights the growing debate over the relevance of classical languages in modern education. The number of students taking Latin has drastically decreased over the years, from nearly 50,000 in 1959 to only around 5,000 projected for 2024. This decline coincides with broader educational trends where subjects considered to have practical utility, like STEM, overshadow the humanities. The necessity to argue for Latin's usefulness indicates an urgent need to reassess the value and role of classical education in shaping well-rounded students.
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