The Goal of Education
Over the past couple of years I’ve documented my thoughts (in unpublished form) about the ultimate aim of education. Topics regarding virtue, utility, benefits to the state and socialization can be found all throughout my meandering thoughts. I stumbled across an excellent summary and thought I’d share.
For a true education aims at the formation of the human person in the pursuit of his ultimate end and of the good of the societies of which, as man, he is a member, and in whose obligations, as an adult, he will share.
- Pope Paul VI, Gravissimum Educationis (Declaration on Christian Education) October 28, 1965
In this short summary a proper balance between divine purposes and human existence is articulated. Education is more than being trained in a particular craft. It is also more than knowledge of things. It is a complete integration of techne, arete, episteme and other elements. Too much of one and not enough of the other leaves man underdeveloped and ill-equipped to participate in all facets of human existence in the 21st century. What do you think?
Jon Robinson on 08 May 2008 at 2:08 pm #
I can’t remember how I found your site, but it was in my rrs feed and I happened on this page. Why in the world would you care about benefits to the state when considering the ultimate aim of education?
Rudy Ruiz on 11 May 2008 at 10:09 am #
Good question! If education is aimed towards the development of techne, arete and episteme and one belongs to a particular society then it follows, I think, that what we learn will spill over into the world. Our ability to contribute something meaningful to the society to which we belong is determined in some part by our education. Arete is of particular interest here. If ethical and moral development are underemphasized or absent how can a society really flourish? What we would end up with is some Hobbesian bad dream of everyone against everyone. I know that is a trite example, but the point is the same. We have some obligations to the community to which we belong and a proper education (one that develops all three aspects in proper proportion) is a valuable, if not necessary, tool for success. The answer to your question or your agreement with mine really depends upon your views of individuals, the state and their inter-relationships and obligations. I hope that helps.