Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Popper on Education

In his book "The Open Society", Popper develops a devastating critique of our academic tradition. He wrote:

"Instead of encouraging the student to devote himself to his studies for the sake of studying, instead of encouraging in him a real love for his subject and for enquiry, he is led to acquire only such knowledge as is serviceable in getting him over the hurdles which he must clear for the sake of his advancement."

For more on Popper's thoughts on education, as well as a history of his own early life education, which appears to have most meaningfully occurred out of school, see here.

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