The humanities matter in a world dominated by scientific thought and technological advances because without the humanities we can’t think about science and technology properly
Atheism Is Irrational (argued C.S. Lewis) Read More »
When can the steady, plodding, often frustrating, and rarely instantly gratifying pursuit of philosophy get a word in edgewise? Where can its spark alight in hearts besotted with flame retardant pleasures?
The Pains of Life-Long Learning Read More »
A review of David Diener’s “Plato: The Great Philosopher-Educator”
A Doorway to Plato Read More »
In an unpublished essay, “Philosophy as a Hobby,” written in 1936, philosopher Gordon H. Clark describes the philosopher as one, “who attempts to understand the relationships between any two human interests.” Aristotle, for example, “summed up in systematic form the guiding principles of a closing era,” when he defined, “the State as the partnership which
The Pleasures of Philosophy Read More »
Re-thinking why we teach mathematics
Aiming Higher, Bridging Worlds Read More »
This afternoon, I will be participating in a Podcast on Hamlet in which I hope to invite people to read Shakespeare’s play and to look for what is obvious. Meanwhile, I’m reading the Iliad for the Apprenticeship and have been thinking quite a bit about how to read and to teach it. My teaching mantra
Obvious Does Not Mean Basic Read More »
It is said that one day the Caliph Mamun saw a bald-headed man with a long beard and broad forehead sitting on his private couch. In awe and with a trembling voice the Caliph inquired: “Who are you?” The man replied, “I am Aristotle.” – 9th century Islamic legend For most of the evening, I
A Symposium with Aristotle Read More »
It isn’t a substance; that’s an idea embodied. It isn’t a sentence; that’s an idea verbalized. It isn’t knowable, but it’s already known. Without it, every attempt to know anything ends in frustration and even despair, if the learner tries long enough to know without it. If you think you know it, then you don’t
The heart of the difference between classical and conventional education is not in curriculum or teaching methods, though those are affected. The heart of the issue is in goals and beliefs. Our practices often entangle us so much that we can’t get back to the things that matter most. The biggest difference is theological. Conventional
What is the Difference between Classical and Conventional Education? Read More »
In the present age, an education in experimental science is an important and necessary feature for students; however, the Classical Christian Education movement recognizes the shortcomings of an education whose principal concern is teaching science and technology. The human dimension is often lacking from a predominantly scientific program. A proper education attends to the moral
I’ve encountered that moment in my conferencing preparations where I have to toss overboard most of my provisions so the fish can make use of them as they will. What better use for a blog, I thought to myself, before realizing how thoroughly I was insulting you. Sorry about that. But, incorrigible as I am,
Nine Throw-Away Ideas With Which to Think Read More »
