Week 4 Blog Prompt

 In Book 7, Socrates describes education as a 'turning around' of the soul. How do you think education today would look different if this was the guiding idea? Also, what else is wrong with education today? Are there any radical changes you would like to see in education (K-12 or college) today? Explain why.

Socratic Education

Plato's Socratic Education is described as an elitist molding program that shapes the morals and logical powers of said Philosopher Kings. Since the Rulers (gold souls) of Kallipolis aren't allowed to own property and own wealth, the city's elite (presumably the richest producers and most talented Auxlillaries) are to train the prospective leaders physically (Gymnastics), intellectually (Astronomy, Geometry) and philosophically (Modern-day Science and Philosophy were one and the same in ancient times. There was no hard/soft science split either). Philosopher-kings would be excellently able to steer the ship of state. 

Modern-day political populists and shady men in power often espouse their disapproval. Brexit's creator: Dominic Cummings himself espouses the need for an Odyssean Education. I think this education would benefit most people Here's why:

A Socratic Education would probably be greatly focused and minimalist. Instead of a lot of subjects that begin and end with umpteen and department teachers scrambling for attention and resources, appropriate levels of resources would be focused on the child and the mentors. Fewer, more capable teachers (perhaps taking on more tutor-like roles) would have a greater presence in their student's lives. A teacher would, in essence, be a Socrates (a great mentor, partner, figure). This may not lead to better learning, higher performance, or retained knowledge. However, it will create a meaningful environment. Instead of a miserable and segregated experience for most students, learning will be challenging and thought-provoking no matter what the Teacher decides to teach.

Throughout my life, special education had the short end of the stick. Even with the most adequate funding, social hierarchies, and administrative timidity destroyed human potential. Perhaps the worst part of learning, K-12 or college level is the forces of conservatism that continuously justify mediocrity and bad outcomes. 

Comments

  1. Professor RogerSeptember 27, 2020 at 3:56 PM

    This is a really interested idea. Much of our idea of education still derives from the 19th and early 20th centuries when it was really 'mass education'. Education today needs to focus more on cultivating individual minds, and I think you're right that Socrates' view promotes that (at least for the higher classes!)

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