As I see it, this is one of the most important elements in life. Studying Philosophy can prevent wandering through life without a sense of purpose, and it poses some of the most important questions in humanity. Shouldn't is be emphasized more in school? (In my high school the only option is an elective senior year, and I go to one of the best public schools in the country.)
2007-10-05 11:59:37 · 12 answers · asked by mannzaformulaone 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Because they are "public".
2007-10-05 12:03:27 · answer #1 · answered by Crazy M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In 12 years of public schooling, I did not learn a single thing that was useful in life. Nothing. Zit.
College was only slightly better.
But then, the main purpose of school is not to learn, but to keep "kids" from working at a lower wage than was paid to a man! See the story of Horace Mann and others.
Yes, it would be good to teach philosophy in school; but, then the problem would be that most "kids" are not prepared for it.
I agree with what you are saying; I was completely bored in school; it was too easy, had very little that I was interested in, and none of my teachers thought it was important to "challenge me".
No doubt if schools would go back to the way they were before the teachers unionized, every one advancing according to his/her abilities, an idea such as your would work.
2007-10-05 13:12:04 · answer #2 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly? The modern liberal educational mind-set does not care about philosophy because modern philosophers have, for the most part, one way or another, proved EXPLICITLY in their own words that their professions can prove nothing. It is because no one believes in metaphysics anymore. Science, specifically physics, has declared it to be irrelevant. Without relevant metaphysics, ethics and politics and aesthetics can have no meaning. The cause for all this has been said to be the dichotomy between the Rationalists and the Empiricists, each of which was half wrong and still cannot see eye to eye.
2007-10-05 13:22:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an Interdisciplinary Social Scientist (Ret) my observation of history shows that the famous--infamous(?) "can-do" spirit of this young nation does not give much credence to the life of the mind. Inventiveness is seen exclusively as a pragmatic matter. A neighbor asked why didn't I "make" my son major in a subject where he could "earn a living". She had asked what was "his major." I said,"Fine Arts." This is his talent, where his ability, heat and soul resided. Luckily, he has been able to "earn a living," by adapting his creativity to the marketplace.
As long as a culture/society sees no value to the life of the mind and spirit, philosophy and other "non-applicable" ways of living will be ridiculed, ignored and unfunded.
2007-10-07 06:57:54 · answer #4 · answered by gyprotege5 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I studied philosophy in public school (grade school). You had to be especially selected for the course.
It was great - I often wished they let us take Philosophy in high school as an elective subject.
2007-10-05 12:13:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Public schools should teach the Readin', wRitin' and aRithmatic.
Philosophy is best left to a more developed brain in college adn there after. besides, life is the bets teacher of all for philosophy, so the more of it you live, the more philosophy you will be able to comprehend and appreciate.
2007-10-05 14:34:56 · answer #6 · answered by gryphon1911 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The diversity of backgrounds represented in a public classroom would make it difficult to satisfy the wishes of all parents in the area of philosophy and its close parallel to religion.
2007-10-05 12:10:41 · answer #7 · answered by whatever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People also ask why the schools don't focus more on art and music, or on citizenship, history or science. Federal Law now puts tremendous pressure on schools to constantly increase scores on reading and math tests. Everything else is being sacrificed for these.
2007-10-05 12:05:16 · answer #8 · answered by TG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because american public school do not encourage free thinking...think about it. your in class and u say something rather smart but controversial the teacher gets uneasy and tells u to be quiet and sit down....
2007-10-05 14:53:09 · answer #9 · answered by Shooting Star 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked my math teacher this, and she said that it is looked upon as useless. Shows how much the admin knows!
2007-10-05 12:50:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to gain control before you can teach anything.
2007-10-05 12:15:35 · answer #11 · answered by Gypsy Gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋