What is the most important premise of this article in your mind?
I believe the most important premise of this article is to cause the reader to think deeply about the underlying message of the literature that shapes our societies. I have not read all of the classics that Erskine refers to, but of the ones that I have read, I did not necessarily draw the same conclusions that he did and his article shows me the value of analyzing what I read more carefully.
How can this article help you in your family's education?
I have learned, mostly from my children, who are good at questioning everything, the importance of learning through opposition. A couple of my children learn best when they have something to argue against. They need to see an idea or principle from all sides before they can choose to agree (or disagree) with it. And I was reminded of that while reading this article. Erskine makes the argument that English culture has historically accepted the notion that one has to choose between being good and being intelligent. But he continues to persuade us "that intelligence is the virtue we particularly need". In one of my core books, it states that "the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." And then a few verses later we are commanded "to bring up your children in light and truth". In other words, we are to bring up our children to be intelligent so they can know God and discern His will.
What is the value of reading this article?
I think the value of reading this article is, in part, simply taking the time out of our busy lives to ponder and wrestle with challenging material as an exercise in and of itself. Beyond that, it has helped me to think carefully about the value of intelligence as "the master-virtue". As the master-virtue, intelligence persuedes us to continue to wrestle with tough problems and to continue along the path of love as we seek answers to those problems, remembering that love and fear cannot exist in the mind and heart at the same time.
I believe the most important premise of this article is to cause the reader to think deeply about the underlying message of the literature that shapes our societies. I have not read all of the classics that Erskine refers to, but of the ones that I have read, I did not necessarily draw the same conclusions that he did and his article shows me the value of analyzing what I read more carefully.
How can this article help you in your family's education?
I have learned, mostly from my children, who are good at questioning everything, the importance of learning through opposition. A couple of my children learn best when they have something to argue against. They need to see an idea or principle from all sides before they can choose to agree (or disagree) with it. And I was reminded of that while reading this article. Erskine makes the argument that English culture has historically accepted the notion that one has to choose between being good and being intelligent. But he continues to persuade us "that intelligence is the virtue we particularly need". In one of my core books, it states that "the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." And then a few verses later we are commanded "to bring up your children in light and truth". In other words, we are to bring up our children to be intelligent so they can know God and discern His will.
What is the value of reading this article?
I think the value of reading this article is, in part, simply taking the time out of our busy lives to ponder and wrestle with challenging material as an exercise in and of itself. Beyond that, it has helped me to think carefully about the value of intelligence as "the master-virtue". As the master-virtue, intelligence persuedes us to continue to wrestle with tough problems and to continue along the path of love as we seek answers to those problems, remembering that love and fear cannot exist in the mind and heart at the same time.