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A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education

E.M. Forster

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Published in Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense Of Reform In Liberal Education

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Liberal education is in crisis. The traditional model of liberal education, which emphasized the study of the humanities and the development of critical thinking skills, has been under attack for decades. In its place, we have seen the rise of a new model of education that emphasizes specialization and the acquisition of job skills.

Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education

by Martha C. Nussbaum

4.1 out of 5

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This new model of education is deeply flawed. It fails to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century workforce. It also fails to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be informed citizens and active participants in a democratic society.

It is time for a reform of liberal education. We need to return to the classical tradition of liberal education, which emphasized the study of the humanities and the development of the whole person.

The Problems with the Current State of Liberal Education

The current state of liberal education is characterized by a number of problems, including:

An overemphasis on specialization. Students are increasingly pressured to specialize in a narrow field of study. This specialization can lead to a lack of breadth and understanding of the world around us.
A neglect of the humanities. The humanities are the study of human culture and history. They are essential for understanding ourselves and our place in the world. However, the humanities have been increasingly marginalized in liberal education.
A lack of critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information and form reasoned judgments. It is a skill that is essential for success in the 21st century workforce. However, critical thinking skills are not being adequately taught in our schools.
A lack of problem-solving skills. Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify and solve problems. They are another skill that is essential for success in the 21st century workforce. However, problem-solving skills are not being adequately taught in our schools.
A lack of communication skills. Communication skills are the ability to communicate effectively with others. They are essential for success in any field. However, communication skills are not being adequately taught in our schools.
A lack of creativity. Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas and solutions. It is a skill that is essential for success in the 21st century workforce. However, creativity is not being adequately taught in our schools.

A Classical Defense of Liberal Education

The classical tradition of liberal education emphasized the study of the humanities and the development of the whole person. The humanities are the study of human culture and history. They are essential for understanding ourselves and our place in the world. The study of the humanities helps us to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, creativity, and other essential skills.

The development of the whole person is another important goal of liberal education. The whole person is a person who is intellectually, morally, and physically developed. The study of the humanities can help us to develop intellectually. The study of ethics and philosophy can help us to develop morally. The study of physical education and the arts can help us to develop physically.

Liberal education is essential for the development of the whole person. It is the kind of education that prepares us for the challenges of the 21st century workforce and the challenges of democratic citizenship.

Proposals for Reform

The following are a number of reforms that could be implemented to improve liberal education:

Increase the emphasis on the humanities. The humanities should be a core part of every liberal arts education. Students should be required to take a variety of courses in the humanities, including literature, history, philosophy, and the arts.
Develop critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills are essential for success in the 21st century workforce. Schools should provide students with opportunities to develop these skills through a variety of activities, such as writing, research, and debate.
Develop problem-solving skills. Problem-solving skills are another essential skill for success in the 21st century workforce. Schools should provide students with opportunities to develop these skills through a variety of activities, such as problem-solving exercises, case studies, and simulations.
Develop communication skills. Communication skills are essential for success in any field. Schools should provide students with opportunities to develop these skills through a variety of activities, such as writing, speaking, and presentations.
Develop creativity. Creativity is an essential skill for success in the 21st century workforce. Schools should provide students with opportunities to develop this skill through a variety of activities, such as art, music, and creative writing.

The classical tradition of liberal education is a valuable model for educational reform. By emphasizing the study of the humanities and the development of the whole person, liberal education can prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century workforce and the challenges of democratic citizenship.

Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education

by Martha C. Nussbaum

4.1 out of 5