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The Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education

Charles Reed

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

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Liberal education, with its emphasis on the study of the humanities and the development of critical thinking skills, has been a cornerstone of Western education for centuries. However, in recent decades, liberal education has come under increasing attack from those who argue that it is irrelevant to the needs of the modern world.

Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education

by Martha C. Nussbaum

4.1 out of 5

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In response to these criticisms, a number of scholars have defended liberal education on the grounds that it provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workplace. This "classical defense" of liberal education argues that the study of the humanities helps students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. These skills are essential for success in any field, regardless of the specific job title.

The Origins of the Classical Defense

The classical defense of liberal education has its roots in the writings of the ancient Greek philosophers. Plato and Aristotle believed that the study of the humanities was essential for the development of a well-rounded individual. They argued that the humanities teach students about the human condition and help them develop the intellectual virtues necessary for a good life.

The classical defense of liberal education was revived in the Renaissance, when scholars such as Erasmus and Montaigne argued that the study of the humanities was essential for the development of a citizen who could participate fully in public life. This view of liberal education was adopted by the founders of the American republic, who believed that the study of the humanities was essential for the creation of a free and democratic society.

The Principles of the Classical Defense

The classical defense of liberal education is based on a number of principles, including:

* The belief that the humanities are essential for the development of critical thinking skills. * The belief that the humanities help students develop problem-solving abilities. * The belief that the humanities help students develop communication skills. * The belief that the humanities teach students about the human condition. * The belief that the humanities help students develop the intellectual virtues necessary for a good life.

The Contemporary Relevance of the Classical Defense

The classical defense of liberal education is just as relevant today as it was in the past. In a world that is increasingly complex and interconnected, it is more important than ever for students to have the skills and knowledge that a liberal education provides. The study of the humanities helps students develop the critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workplace.

In addition, the study of the humanities helps students understand the human condition and develop the intellectual virtues necessary for a good life. In a world that is often divided by conflict and misunderstanding, the humanities can help us to see the world from different perspectives and to appreciate the value of diversity.

The classical defense of liberal education provides a compelling argument for the continued importance of the humanities in education. The study of the humanities helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century workplace and to live a good life.

A Group Of Students Reading Books In A Library Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense Of Reform In Liberal Education

* Bloom, Allan. The Closing of the American Mind. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1987. * Hirsch, E. D., Jr. Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know. New York: Vintage Books, 1988. * Nussbaum, Martha C. Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997.

Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education

by Martha C. Nussbaum

4.1 out of 5