There is one choice, 2 votes for GaryCGibson's debate

Should philosophy be required in high school coursework?

• Classical and symbolic logic should be taught early

  Classical logic isn't so difficult to teach, and a symbolic logic systen or two like term logic or predicate logical would naturally follow. The ability to understand classical logic and logic fallacies in verbal reasoning, language, writing and so forth would become second nature for Americans and others later in life. It might expedite political discussions for the good as people could see through the persuasive spamtalk much more easily. Every American should learn at least classical logic before quiting formal education.

  100%  Voted for by GaryCGibson, TeChNoWC.

  View 12 comments Hide Comments

  Please login or register to comment.

  Registration is required because of issues with spam. It is fast and free! This author would LOVE to get a comment from you, please join!

  • right now

    Adding your comment:
  • 
    Kazrith
    September 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    good idea but i think the parents might not like it too much. not to mention that it would be hard to fit into the schedule and they would have to train alot of teachers for it.
  • 
    grant
    September 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I would advocate as a subject "the phenomenology of belief". That cuts through philosophy and the philosophical agenda of politics.
  • 
    TeChNoWC
    September 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I agree, GaryCGibson.
  • 
    GaryCGibson
    September 6, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    It sounds amorphous and subjective

    Logic is rather simple and concise. It enables individuals to work with all language, not just one particular philosophical method or system of epistemology, which is what a 'phenomenology of belief' might tend to be, although I am not very familiar with that particular area of investigation. *** William James of course wrote on the varieties of religious experience, and Edmund Husserl wrote on phenomenology in his 'Logical investigations'. Phenomenology in philosophy is an area for itself, yet researching phenomenology before logic before college would see confusing to students potentially and obviously subject to political brainwashing, propagandizing and so forth. *** Classical logic is mostly verbal and could be tautght by history or english teachers, while symbollic logic would require that the teacher read something like 'The Art of Reasoning' cover to cover, get the teacher's version and learn the logic rigorously for-himself before selecting term logic perhaps to teach the students. *** Term logic is easier to learn that freshman algebra, and one trimester would easily accomplish the mission of arming students for life with the analytical tools of reasoning verbal presentations...I say that rather optimisticly of course. Can you imagine George W. Bush as a high school teacher?
  • 
    Dwn
    September 6, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    YES

    But it should not be confussed with debating, Philosophy is ones views on life , not a question of the views of others
  • 
    grant
    September 7, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    GaryC

    Brainwashing and Propaganda already exists within high school education. This is without the subject of Belief Phenomena. To suggest this type of subject would create propaganda is just your belief as it has not been tested. A subject of this nature may discuss the human tendency and reasons for it. The tendency you have just demonstrated. As for Bush, he would be safer as a teacher than a world leader.
  • decoratedemergency
    October 2, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    yeah i agree with you too. I took a class called humanities, and sure i had to test into it, but the first year i was in it, we studied everything from Plato, Aristotle and Socrates, to looking at Daoism and Confucianism. The second year was more centered on art and artistic trends/movements and not philosophy, but it was still amazing. I think this class helped me look at things in a more open way and it allowed me to understand a bit of how other people can see things and think so differently but still be in the same enviornment as i am. It helped me so much with understanding things around me and i wish i could have taken it earlier than 9th and 10th grade... So i think that a philosophy class is almost necissary for anyone to have a truly open mind and for people to learn how to recognize differences.
  • asgrey
    December 7, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Philosophy is, in my opinion, central to shaping a person. However it must be accepted that some students are born philsophers, others grow to like and become philosophers, others have an interest in philosophy, and yet there are some for whom their personality and philosophy are mutually exclusive. I would suggest philosophy should be made more available, rather than compulsory.
  • • Westley
      October 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Agreed, encouraged but not enforced.
  • 
    M.Ridgway
    February 28, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Agreed with Dwn. It's sad that people need "taught" logic to begin with, why can't people just use their brains naturally...
  • • Westley
      October 27, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      People can, but the result is not always logical, lol.
  • Draicon
    March 20, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    yes it should be. most students today don't think things out, and I question there desire to learn. Philosophy ought to be just as much a requirement as enlish is. heaven knows they already know how to talk. they need to know how to think as well.

  Please register or login to comment! It's totally free
• right now

  Adding your reply:
• Your Comment: