The Relationship of Philosophy and History Sharon Kay Stoll, Ph.D. Ed.D.

Questions to address What has history said is the purpose of education in America? What do you think the purpose of education in America is? If the purpose is Y, then how do we go about gaining “Y”?

Historically, the answer has been found (?) through the dominant social and political philosophies (ideologies?) of the government, the people, the individuals in charge. You as a teacher will be in charge and will address the same sort of questions….

What has been the historical goal of education in America? To fulfill the needs of a democratic government? –Educate the masses to be autonomous, self governing individuals

Given Y is the goal, how do we gain Y? The learner –Who should learn? –What should they learn? –How should they learn? –When should they learn? The teacher –Who should teach? –What should the teacher know? –How should the teacher teach?

The Historical answers.. From the classical-liberal From the Progressive From the Post Modern

Jefferson... Believed that 3 years of literacy instruction in elementary school would safe guard the liberties of Americans. Would this work today? Would it work in Jefferson’s time…why or why not?

Jefferson Wanted state funding for schooling but also sought to protect local control? Do we do the same sort of thing today, and what problems do we see here in Idaho with this notion?

Benjamin Rush The Christian cannot fail of being a Republican… What was Rush’s point? Was it consistent with the time?

Jefferson How was Jefferson’s education point of view about minorities (women and people of color) linked to the liberal ideology of his time?

Jefferson... What dimensions of classical liberalism supported bias toward women and people of color?