On the plus side:
[G]iving students the basic semantic and logical tools they need to clarify their intuitions and to analyze arguments for and against their views, philosophy could help to extend and refine the debate that naturally arises in a pluralistic society from conflicting interests, values, and worldviews. And it could also help citizens make wise use of the power they have in a democracy. . .
Fraenkel isn't making this up either. He has evidence. In one high school philosophy class, the instructor
gives [students] the town hall’s phone number for complaints about infrastructure and asks them to find something in their street they want repaired. When one student calls, nothing happens. But when fifteen call, the city reacts. “You see that pothole?” she asks me. “It’s been closed. And that street lantern? It’s been fixed. Thanks to our philosophy class. . . . Politicians can’t afford disgruntled citizens who will vote them out of office.”
That's what I call results. You can read more here.
2 comments:
Very interesting, and I quite agree. This would help students realize that, with politics in particular, it is important to pay attention to what is going on in the world.
So true! I really love the fact that the teacher was able to make connections between the world of ideas and the world of action. You'd think that would be a natural connection, but unfortunately it isn't always (and some teachers/professors seem to think it their calling to widen the gap rather than close it).
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