The Purpose of Education:

I suggest that the purpose of education is to prepare people to live in the world in appreciation of, and effectively exercising, their responsibilities as citizens. More specifically, the purpose of education is to produce learners on the path to self-actualization (entelechy) who think and act in a rational manner, based on truth, verifiable facts, science and a sense of responsibility, stewardship and sustainability. To achieve this purpose our educational system must cultivate:
  • Responsibility – An understanding of the concept of responsibility
  • Responsibility – Knowledge of the actions all citizens can, and should, take to exercise their responsibility
  • Reason – Rational, logical decision-making and the exercise of discernment (critical thinking)
  • Research – The skills for continuing learning and finding the answers to questions on an “as needed” basis
To me, living up to one’s responsibilities as a contributing citizen ought to be taken very seriously. Part of fulfilling one’s responsibilities is striving toward entelechy, or becoming the best we can be. Certainly, acquiring a high quality education is a big part of this journey toward self-actualization.What would need to be included as essential components of a “high quality education”? In my view it would have to be the Responsibility, Reason and Research elements listed above. In the USA, and many other countries, public education is huge part of the educational resources that are available to most people. I believe that working toward continuing improvement in our educational system and resources is one of our most important and pressing responsibilities.
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