The podcast discusses T.S. Eliot's essay on religious education and its relevance in modern society. It explores the importance of clear beliefs in education and the influence of high-level philosophy. The podcast also delves into controversial topics in education, the significance of studying Latin and Greek, and the two options of belief systems: Christianity or materialism.
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Quick takeaways
Education requires a clear belief system and vision for meaningful conversations and reform.
Education is influenced by societal factors and should be approached as a religious problem.
Studying Latin and Greek is essential for understanding cultural contexts and avoiding intellectual shallowness.
Deep dives
The Importance of Having a Clear Vision for Education
In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the need for a clear belief system and vision when it comes to education. He argues that the problem with education today is the lack of a clear understanding of what education should be, which stems from a lack of clarity in our overall philosophy of life and society. He criticizes the neutral and tolerant stance that many take, suggesting that in order to have meaningful conversations about education, we need to be willing to believe in something and have strong convictions. He praises radicalism for its clear beliefs, even if he disagrees with their answers. He also criticizes the mushy middle ground of neutrality, advocating for a more decisive and belief-driven approach to education.
The Connection Between Education and Society
The podcast episode explores the connection between education and larger societal issues, such as politics and social order. The speaker argues that education cannot be discussed in isolation and that it is influenced by social, economic, financial, and political factors. He highlights the need for a clear understanding of what we want in education, which must be derived from our broader philosophy of life and society. The episode suggests that education should not be seen as a value-neutral domain, but rather as a religious problem, involving deep-seated beliefs and convictions. It questions the prevailing mindset of neutrality and advocates for a more intentional and belief-driven approach to education.
The Significance of Latin and Greek in Education
One of the focal points of the episode is the importance of studying Latin and Greek in education. The speaker argues that these classical languages have been downplayed and undervalued in modern education, despite their profound impact on society, history, and other disciplines. He asserts that the neglect of Latin and Greek in education is symptomatic of a broader issue – the dismissal of religious and philosophical foundations. The episode suggests that a comprehensive education should include the study of Latin and Greek to gain a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts, develop critical thinking skills, and avoid intellectual shallowness.
The Role of Radicalism in Education
The podcast episode explores the role of radicalism in education and society. While the speaker acknowledges that radicalism possesses certain admirable qualities, such as the commitment to selecting and eliminating, he ultimately critiques it for having the wrong answers. He argues that radicalism is preferable to the middle ground of neutrality and indifference, as it at least stands for something. The speaker suggests that education should be rooted in a clear belief system and seeks to challenge the notion of neutrality that pervades educational discourse. He emphasizes the need for strong convictions and a willingness to engage in meaningful debates and discussions.
The Need for a Renewed Approach to Education
The podcast episode calls for a renewed approach to education, particularly in the modern world. The speaker highlights the shortcomings of the current education system, including the emphasis on economic concerns and the lack of a clear vision for education. He argues that education should not be reduced to efficiency and upward mobility but should encompass larger philosophical and societal considerations. The episode suggests that education is not just a technical or practical pursuit but should aim to foster holistic development and cultivate thoughtful, engaged individuals. It emphasizes the need for a shift away from neutrality and toward a more intentional and belief-driven approach to education.
"As only the Catholic and communist know, all education must be ultimately religious education." So argues T.S. Eliot in his essay "Modern Education and the Classics," in which he contrasts three different camps in the world of education: the radical, the liberal, and the orthodox. Eliot seems to say that the only hope for continued erudition in the Greek and Roman classics is a rebirth of Christendom. Jonathan and Ryan discuss Eliot's provocative thesis, along with the lessons he offers to would-be educational reformers.
T.S. Eliot's Modern Education and the Classics: https://muse.jhu.edu/document/615
T.S. Eliot's Selected Essays: https://amzn.to/3GD5mft
Eric Adler's Humanistic Letters: https://amzn.to/41kvlSb
John Peterson's College Is Too Late: https://americanmind.org/features/how-to-save-higher-education/college-is-too-late/
Rod Dreher's The Benedict Option: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780735213302
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