In terms of philosophers and their modern day influence: we see Plato, (a
follower of Socrates), who spent his life formalizing ideas. Some have
referred to him as a real ‘windbag.’ Aristotle, a pupil of Plato
influences our modern form of education by systematizing it.
Our current methods are very linear, they go along in a straight line and
don’t require investigating or thinking beyond the facts as presented. The
method presupposes its significance and our own ignorance. But it does
insure a degree of commonality amongst us, but inhibits and devalues our
own creativity and natural intelligence.
Neither Plato or Aristotle was a threat to the established ideas of the
time, unlike Socrates who taught his students to think and question. In
fact, their methods helped create a ballast of status quo, anchoring us
amongst the givens.
4/14/04