Hi all, today I am starting a multipart series on “The Case for Catholic Education”, by Ryan N. S. Topping.
The Case for Catholic Education - Ryan N. S. Topping
If you are interested in thinking about the future of education in the light of the cultural trends in vogue today,
you will definitely appreciate this book.
It is written as an introduction to more serious reading and thought on the part of the reader.
As such, the book has a gem of a section towards its end referencing material for further reading.
Also, provided is an appendix titled “Discussion Questions”. And this shall be the subject of my blog posts.
Chapter 3: The Purposes of Education
1. Distinguish between the three senses of the “end” of education. The goal or end of education can be understood at three levels: from the immediate to the ultimate.
They are virtue being the immediate, followed by culture being the remote, followed by happiness being the ultimate.
In practical terms, we could say, one should study because it contributes to his attainment of everlasting happiness (the ultimate aim), second it will improve his culture (the remote aim); third it will perfect his virtue or skill (the immediate aim)....
Chapter 2: The Schools and Our Children
The greatest challenge to Catholic education in the United States today … is to restore to that culture the conviction that human beings can grasp the truth of things, and, in grasping that truth, can know their duties to God, to themselves and their neighbors. St. Pope John Paul II
1. Why is moral relativism more damaging to culture than, say, poverty or social inequality ? Moral relativism simply means no one can agree to anything of actual importance....
Chapter 1: The Crisis of Catholic Education
1. What is the “crisis” in education ? Name a scholar who spoke about it as early as 1960s ? The crisis of western education is twofold:
The purpose of education is now understood as contributing to the economy. It is no more about teaching the child why leading a life of purpose is meaningful. Education is least interested in teaching children the historical and cultural legacy of the societies they live in....
