It's just coincidence (probably) that this article comes out at the same time as the SSIR article I also posted about today on the link between education and democracy. Here's how it's phrased here, in this interview with Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario: "A well-functioning democracy is built upon foundational and strong institutions: the government and its supportive public service; a respected and independent judiciary; a dynamic media; and a vibrant, informed, and involved civil society. At the core is education, because education is empowerment." Most of what is said here is well thought-out and reasonable. I find myself asking, though, where in education do we find democracy? Dowdeswell talks about ethical responsibility, learned behaviour, respect and civility. All fine things, but there is a danger that education presses too hard to instill these social virtues, at the expense of the autonomy and agency of the individual learner.
Today: Total: [Direct link] [Share]
