by Sayers · Cluster: Essay · Critique of Progress · Common Man
Abstract
In this 1947 Oxford lecture Sayers contends that modern schooling teaches a multitude of “subjects” but fails to teach children how to think, leaving them defenceless against propaganda, advertising and sloppy argument. Her remedy is to revive the medieval Trivium—Grammar, Dialectic and Rhetoric—as the true tools of learning, matching each to a natural stage of the child’s development (the Poll-parrot, the Pert and the Poetic ages). The sole end of education, she insists, is to teach people how to learn for themselves, so that any subject becomes an open door.
Testo / Text
Parti / Parts
Connections
Forms & Genres: Nonfiction Archetypes: Child, Mentor Motifs: The Book, Machine Themes & Concepts: Education, Classical Education, The Trivium, Childhood And Growth, Critique of Progress, Truth, Imagination, Liberty, Reform, Creativity, Faith, History Forms: Essay Historical References: Medieval England, Classical Antiquity, Christianity, Renaissance, Reformation Settings: Oxford Characters: The Student, The Teacher, Child, Milton
by Sayers · Cluster: Classical Education · The Trivium · Critique Of Progress
Abstract
In questa conferenza tenuta a Oxford nel 1947, Sayers sostiene che la scuola moderna insegna una moltitudine di “materie” ma non insegna ai ragazzi a pensare, lasciandoli indifesi di fronte alla propaganda, alla pubblicità e alle argomentazioni sciatte. Il suo rimedio è far rivivere il Trivio medievale—Grammatica, Dialettica e Retorica—quali veri strumenti dell’apprendimento, facendo corrispondere ciascuno a una fase naturale dello sviluppo del bambino (l’età del Pappagallo, l’età Impertinente e l’età Poetica). L’unico fine dell’educazione, insiste, è insegnare alle persone a imparare da sé, così che ogni materia diventi una porta aperta.
Testo / Text
Parti / Parts
Connections
Archetypes: Child, Mentor Motifs: The Book, Machine Themes & Concepts: Education, Classical Education, The Trivium, Childhood And Growth, Critique Of Progress, Truth, Imagination, Liberty, Reform, Creativity, Faith Forms: Essay Historical References: Medieval England, Classical Antiquity, Christianity, The Renaissance, The Reformation Settings: Oxford Characters: The Student, The Teacher, The Child, Milton