The modern legendary story Jurassic Park shows that technology may not necessarily lead to great ends if deployed without critical thinking, moral footing, or research. Understanding the social and ethical implications of an idea is more important than developing a well-designed code. This is true from cloning to social media.
A classical education, with its emphasis on philosophy and inquiry, can provide students with the chance to learn knowledge and develop inventive thinking while exploring situations through a moral lens.
Nevertheless, how can a philosophy that has been taught for centuries remain relevant in an era of iPads and apps, and vocations that are driven by the digital economy, automation, and personalization?
How Classical Literature Impacts Modern Education
The requirement for mindfulness extends beyond the design and use of new tools in our technocentric environment. Students nowadays are expected to help shape legislation and fight injustice, and they are inundated with information, both accurate and incorrect.
It is a common misconception that classical literature entails nothing more than the rote memorization and study of antiquated texts. classical literature is based on the history and culture of the West and includes both a classical approach, which encourages students to read and write deeply and thoughtfully within a moral framework, and classical content, such as the study of Ancient Greek and Latin literature, history, art, and languages.
Reading is a Key to Inspiration
Students today might follow a path laid forth by classical literature as a means of learning and progressing. Human history and culture are explored and celebrated in a series of narratives that begin with a look at the human condition itself.
In the long run, it acts as a platform for developing critical thinking abilities by allowing students to ask questions. The moral imperative to others and the ability to generate change and opportunity in the world even in the face of resistance and barriers emerge as a result of classical education.
Students are encouraged to think about how their decisions will affect themselves, their families, and their communities, and tales, history, dialogues, discourse, and personal experiences can help them do just that.
Traditional education encourages students to engage in hands-on learning to better understand the world around them. Students can visit museums and historic sites; tour churches, synagogues, mosques, or organizations; interact with community members; volunteer; ask questions and investigate, and take action if they perceive injustice.
Virtue is Conformity of One’s Life and Actions to Moral and Ethical Standards
Classical literature also promotes critical thinking and respect for others. Students are advised to evaluate the influence their decisions will have on individuals, families, and communities, and can gain perspective from tales, history, discussions, dialogue, and experiences.
In truth, ancient mythology was created to convey essential moral teachings in a narrative structure that piqued the interest of the mind rather than being dry or uninteresting. Dialogues by Plato, “I Have a Dream” essays are available, tragedies by Sophocles, and comedies by Euripides all dealt with the tensions in the Republic. The fundamental precepts of civility, thinking before you act, and contemplating the impact your actions have on others remain pertinent in today’s environment.
Teaching Ancient Lessons While Incorporating Cutting-Edge Technology
You won’t see a lot of laptops in the classroom, but it’s not a modern fallacy that classical literature avoids technology. Using libraries and the internet, researchers may study ancient manuscripts. Students learn how to use technology in a thoughtful way rather than merely because it is the latest and greatest.
To help our students with their reading and translation of Latin texts, the Classics department at Germantown Friends School uses iPads. Students can add notes and vocabulary help with a single click of the mouse.
Students in first grade recently learned and created poetry, which is a highly classical endeavor. By recording students reading their work and creating QR codes that play it back to friends and family, the teacher added a modern edge to the project. Students were able to share their lessons with others and learn about a new tool at the same time thanks to the use of technology.
Adapting the True Meaning of Classical
Classical literature may and should evolve as well, despite the fact that it is defined as a static system. Students can develop critical thinking skills by engaging in extensive reading books, writing, and research in a classical literature setting, but the approach itself and the topic covered may change over time.
The next step in classical literature in the modern education system is to study cultures that are distinct from those found in the Western world. The practice will become even more relevant and universal if lessons and information from historic Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are shared with practitioners.
There is enormous value in an education that presents historical and current viewpoints, one that teaches pupils that their power is rooted in wisdom and virtue!