Problem Addressed and Chapters Related to Course Textbook
The main problem the author addresses in his book is the problem of education. In the first chapter called “The Problem of Education”, the author claims that education is good in general. He gives a definition to the word education and answers to the question what the education is for. In the second chapter called “First Principles”, the author rejects the conventional scientific approach towards education and focuses on such notions as virtue, intelligence, love, and judgment that people need to see the human nature inside of them. In the third chapter called “Rethinking Education”, the author presents the principles for reorganizing education. In the fourth chapter called “Destinations”, the author emphasizes on the destiny of our descendants’ education.
Source of Problem
The author thinks that the source of the problem of education is that people rely on scientific principles too much and ignore the emotional aspect. Thus, people are educated to dominate nature rather than adapt to it and respect it. The author also considers education from the ecological point of view and claims that humans should change themselves to adapt to the whims of nature rather than change the planet Earth to adjust it to their needs.
Effects of Problem
As a result of such an education, people are becoming more like robots and are not concerned about nature. The author claims that people worry about how to earn more money before they know who they are. He also emphasizes that such an education has resulted in the deadening of the sense of wonder for the world.
Solution of Problem
According to the author, the solution to this problem is the complete restructure of the system of education. He states that the education must focus not only on how to make a living but also how to not harm nature while doing it. People should learn how to live in harmony with nature. But, unfortunately, according to the author, it will not likely happen in the near future.
Personal Opinion
I like this book. In my opinion, the more there are such books, the greater is the chance that people will decide to restructure the system of education and learn how to live in harmony with nature.