We hear a lot about how there should be more religion in public schools - at the very least, schools should teach about religion. Perhaps there is something to this, but what about philosophy? Hardly any public schools in America teach serious philosophy and surely that would be even more beneficial.

In the December 2004 / January 2005 issue of Free Inquiry, Jim Herrick writes:

What schools need is more teaching about philosophy (as in France) and more teaching about the process of scientific discovery (which would lead to less nonsense about scientism). Above all, they need more questioning — in the Platonic manner of endless questions and answer, of endless free inquiry. “Free inquiry” might be inscribed in every schoolroom, indeed, the magazine Free Inquiry should be in every school library.

Children are seen too much as fodder for the exam machine and future good little workers for the economy There is nothing wrong with vocational training — but ultimately those who can think and question creatively will be of more use to the workforce, to society, to civilization. It is for lack of this that there is a growing “home education” movement in Britain. Decades ago, Bertrand and Dora Russell set up a frce school, being dissatisfied with the existing system. Few would deny the value of some discipline – but self-discipline is the best kind of discipline.

Teaching about religion has some value, but not nearly as much as a more comprehensive education that includes philosophy as well. Experience with philosophical reasoning, critical thinking skills, and a willingness to keep questioning common assumptions would benefit students greatly. Unfortunately, that’s precisely the sort of education which far too many of the people in charge don’t want to see happen.

These sorts of skills cause people to question religious leaders, question politicians, reconsider commitments to tradition, and more. It’s simply not in the interest of those in charge to have too many people dissent from the status quo. On the other hand, more dissent from the status quo is precisely in the best interests of society in general.

 

Read More:

• Philosophy 101
• Critical Thinking
• Religion 101