Training and Lifelong Learning

10 Nov

Posted at 15:36h in Collegiate, Humanities, K-12, Training and Lifelong Learning

The metaphysical concern for the origin or, reasons for persistence of, and possibilities for eradicating evil is one of the most important discussions to have in relation to human happiness. After all, how can humans thrive and be happy if their efforts are continually sabotaged by evil? Once this question is asked, deductively we come to the even larger issue with the Great Idea of “Good and Evil”—what is “good” and what is “evil” in the first place? Furthermore, an understanding of “what is evil” and “what is good” becomes metaphysically vastly more important under monotheism. After all, if there is...

29 Oct

Posted at 11:50h in Collegiate, Humanities, K-12, Training and Lifelong Learning

“When we say that something is “natural” we have certain attributes in mind. Natural speaks of purity, of goodness, of some untouched essence that is almost transcendent in its beauty and power. Inherent in this view of Nature, is that Nature is something inherent, “meant to be,” authentic while, on the other hand, that which comes from humans is artificial. So, one of the first questions to ponder as we approach the Great Idea of nature is this: Does human intervention make Nature “unnatural?” Is the Natural world, without human intervention, more pure or true? Another framework from which to view...

19 Oct

Posted at 11:38h in Collegiate, Humanities, K-12, Training and Lifelong Learning

There is, perhaps, no bigger question that human beings ask than: “Is there a God?” From this singular question stems a whole lifetime of coming to terms with your conclusions. For many of us, this simple question provokes answers that change, transform, deepen with experience and through time. Outside of this personal quest to either experience, take on faith or deny the existence of one, true God, this class also considers the cultural ramifications of faith, particularly monotheistic faith. How does a cultural tradition that, in general, embraces monotheism (even without homogeneous doctrinal practices) reflect the belief in one God?...

29 Jul

Posted at 17:28h in Collegiate, Humanities, K-12, Training and Lifelong Learning

Great Conversations that Center around Great Ideas Found in Great Works Syntopical thinking, also known as synthesis, is the touchstone of a liberal arts education and syntopical reading is the most important type of reading in the Humanities so that we may form the most informed evaluative positions about the works that we explore. In fact, according to Bloom’s taxonomy, synthesis and evaluation are the highest level critical thinking skills that we aspire to in education. A great tool to assure a syntopical approach in this class is Mortimer Adler’s work The Great Ideas, and his collection of essays which divide Humanities education...