Importance of Studying Ancient Languages and Writings

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What does Descartes suggest about the role of theology in classical education, compared to the views of Aquinas and Newman?

Descartes lists theology as one of the subjects in classical education, but his description of its role suggests that it had not been fully integrated into the whole, and did not have the same pride of place that it was given by thinkers like Aquinas and Newman.

According to the passage, what are some of the key benefits of studying the writings of the ancients and excellent books in classical education?

The passage states that studying the writings of the ancients can aid in understanding their language, stir the mind with the grace of fable, elevate the mind with memorable deeds of history, and form the judgment if read with discretion. It also says that the perusal of excellent books is akin to 'interviewing with the noblest men of past ages', allowing us to discover their choicest thoughts.

Describe Descartes' view on the role and value of subjects like eloquence, poesy, mathematics, morals, and the sciences in classical education.

According to the passage, Descartes saw great value in the study of these subjects within classical education. He states that eloquence has 'incomparable force and beauty', poesy has 'ravishing graces and delights', mathematics has 'many refined discoveries eminently suited to gratify the inquisitive', moral treatises contain 'highly useful precepts and exhortations to virtue', and the sciences like jurisprudence and medicine can secure 'honors and riches' for their cultivators.

How does Descartes suggest we should approach subjects that are 'abounding the most in superstition and error' within classical education?

Descartes states that it is 'useful to bestow some attention upon all, even upon those abounding the most in superstition and error, that we may be in a position to determine their real value, and guard against being deceived.' Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest about Descartes' perspective on the adaptation of older practices and traditions of classical learning?

The passage indicates that Descartes saw value in the established traditions and practices of classical learning, such as the study of ancient languages, fables, history, and excellent books. However, his description of theology's role suggests he was open to adapting or reinterpreting certain aspects of the classical tradition, rather than simply preserving it wholesale. Signup and view all the answers

How does Descartes' view on the Great Books movement and the wisdom of the past compare to the perspectives of other influential thinkers like Aquinas and Newman?

While Descartes clearly valued the study of 'excellent books' and the 'writings of the ancients', his description of theology's role suggests he did not share the same degree of reverence for traditional authorities and the unquestioned preservation of the classical canon that was championed by thinkers like Aquinas and Newman in the Great Books movement. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage did the Jesuits of the late 1500s have over us when it came to establishing their education system?

They did not need to invent the education they hoped to offer. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Jesuits open their first school?

In 1548, only seven years after their order was founded. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Jesuits create after eighteen years of collating, drafting, seeking feedback, and testing?

The famous Ratio Studiorum in 1599. Signup and view all the answers

What intellectual tradition did the Jesuits adapt for their education system?

The humanistic education prevalent in Paris, influenced by Cicero and Quintilian. Signup and view all the answers

What caused the explosive growth of Jesuit schools after opening their first one in 1548?

The needs of parents and the opportunity to shape culture. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we struggle to perfect our understanding of the powerful education of the past according to the text?

The tradition of classical learning largely died out in the mid-twentieth century. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, how do different forms of classical education arise?

According to the passage, different forms of classical education arise depending on what in the past strikes different educators, how far back in the past they go, what needs they perceive in the present, what good they hope to achieve, and the depth of their seriousness in considering the wisdom of the past and achieving wisdom for themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What are two examples of adaptations of classical education mentioned in the passage?

Two examples of adaptations of classical education mentioned in the passage are Dorothy Sayers' "Lost Tools of Learning" and the Great Books movement. Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say about the goal of classical educators?

The passage states that classical educators are not simply trying to revive past forms of education, but are aiming to "adapt older practices to our own very different situations" and "achieve wisdom for themselves". Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the intention behind the term "classical" in classical education?

The passage states that the word "classical" in classical education "does not name a distinct form of education, but rather an intention to guide our practices today by the wisdom and practices of the past." Signup and view all the answers

How does the passage describe the current position of leaders in the classical liberal arts renewal?

The passage states that leaders of the classical liberal arts renewal are "in a position to move beyond trying our best based on what we can learn about the past" and are "in a position to become wise about education". Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say about the relationship between classical education and the wisdom of the past?

The passage states that classical education is "an intention to guide our practices today by the wisdom and practices of the past", and that classical educators aim to "consider the wisdom of the past and achiev[e] wisdom for themselves". Signup and view all the answers