Tuesday, September 4, 2012

#3 Enlightenment

In the first of the two videos being synthesized, "21st Century Enlightenment," the lecture explains how the current systems in place regarding ways of thinking in general are outdated and need to be better suited to the times we live in today. He displays the need of a new 'enlightenment' in order for human kind to be able to face the challenges of todays world, how human morality is often discarded in favor of corporate profit. Education is widely held to be the most important aspect of increasing universal knowledge, however, Taylor argues that increasing the human capacity for empathy is paramount in achieving a world of citizens at peace with each other and themselves. In the current system: science, markets and bureaucracy are most important in our society, whereas humanism should be at the forefront of progress.

The second video shows how the current education systems were designed during the enlightenment period and aren't well suited for our society as it is today. The system says that if you get a college degree, you will obtain employment. This is not always true in todays world. It goes on to show the epidemic of ADHD in America, and how its fictitious in that the medication level isn't necessary because kids need stimulation in their lives rather than sedation to maximize their learning capacity.

I agree with both videos in that the current systems do need to be updated and more well adapted to the real world and real world issues we face today. Standardization and conformity have dominated education systems and as of now these systems aren't working to help people realize their full potential.  There needs to be a reevaluation of standards and ideals so that the global population can work better as one toward the common goal of peace and prosperity.

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