The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell by Bertrand Russell

Author:Bertrand Russell [Russell, Bertrand]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: Literary Collections, Humanities, Philosophy, Modern, English; Irish; Scottish; Welsh, History & Surveys, General
ISBN: 9780415472388
Google: jqun5YJGt-wC
Amazon: 0415472385
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2009-04-05T22:00:00+00:00

Part X

The Philosopher of Education

Theories and practices in education have been both varied and numerous. Any philosophy of education will, however, ultimately be tested by the degree to which it coincides with objective evidence of the worth of its proffered ideal.

Although Russell's views on education were somewhat novel and created considerable newspaper publicity, his contributions to logic, mathematical philosophy, and philosophy in general, far outshadow his impact on educational theory. This is not altogether surprising in view of the fact that newspapers are out to stir up excitement and most readers are more interested in reading about unconventional ideas or popular themes than they are in hearing about mathematical advances. The publicity Russell received during the time he and Dora Russell headed the unorthodox Beacon Hill School (1927–1935) exaggerated the trivial and ignored the important.

Whether Russell is right or wrong in his philosophy of education is not the only issue. What is equally important is that scandalous tales often emerge about any famous writer who advocates unpopular ideas. A typical example of this sort of thing was the reputed occurrence of a small girl, without any clothes on, answering the door bell at Beacon Hill School. The local rector stared and said, 'Good God!' The girl replied as she closed the door: 'There is no God!'

The selections that follow are indicative of the import of Russell's philosophy of education and the great value Russell places upon the function of a teacher and the vital significance of a sound education in a troubled world.

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