Description
SIMON & SCHUSTER Paideia Proposal by Mortimer J. Adler
The Paideia Proposal is a system of liberal education intended for all children. It was a response to what Adler characterized as the United States antidemocratic or undemocratic educational system a holdover from the 19th century when the understanding of basic human rights fell short of 20th century expectations.The Paidea Proposal was based upon the following assumptions: 1) All children are educable; 2) Education is never completed in school or higher institutions of learning but is a lifelong process of maturity for all citizens; 3) The primary cause of learning is the activity of the childs mind which is not created by but only assisted by the teacher; 4) Multiple types learning and teaching must be utilized in education not just teacher lecturing or telling; and 5) A students preparation for earning a living is not the primary objective of schooling.Adler stressed that the proposal is much more than just a return to the basic skills of reading writing and arithmetic. It is not simply a return to the values of classical civilization but a return to what is of enduring value. It is a democratic proposal intended for the education of all and not an elitist program as some have alleged.show more