GENERAL
INTRODUCTION: -
“The Place of Science in
a liberal Education” is a highly contemplative, logical and scientific essay by
Bertrand Russell. He is a well-known philosopher, reformer and thinker of the
20th century. This Noble Prize winner is admired by the general
public for his views on politics, moral, education, and religion
MAIN IDEA OF THE STORY: -(Theme)
In this essay, Russell has
discussed the importance of science in our education system. He firmly believes
that science can provide the best understanding of all that exists in the
universe. He has also compared science with other fields of education to prove
it no less superior to them. So, this beautifully illustrates his firm belief
in ‘scientific method’
SUMMARY: -
In Russell’s opinion, of life. Such a wrong
thinking is the result of faulty teaching of science. According t Russell,
science is actually much more than that. A layman cannot perceive the system of
patiently constructed knowledge out of which inventions come.
( i) The Definition of Education: -
Russell defines education as “The formations, by means of instructions,
of certain mental habits and a certain outlook on life and the world.”
According to this definition: in the broader sense, education includes
all that we learn through instruction and personal experience. In the narrower sense, education means imparting of
definite information on various subjects s. The teaching of arithmetic,
reading and writing at the elementary level ordinary readers of newspapers
think that science in the name of inventions and developments like wireless,
telegraphy, aeroplanes, and etc. they accept science only because it increases
the material comforts is education of this kind. In the normal sense, education is an essential part of the moral and
intellectual development of human character and personality. So, education of a
certain kind can form certain mental habits and some peculiar outlook on life
in us. According to Russell, education of science can do much in such a
formation of any mental habit and intellectual outlook on life.
(ii) The Purpose/Moral end of
education: -
According
to Russell’s definition, there may be three aims of education: Natural, Moral
and intellectual. Firstly, our whole life is built of a certain number of
primary instincts and impulses. They are related to our active life, hopes and
fears. The aim of education is to enlarge the scope of these impulses and
thoughts. It should show were the most permanent satisfaction is to be found.
Secondly, the moral aim of education is to soften and control our desires and
instincts. Nature supplies man the force of desire. In a savage this force is
violent; but in a civilized man in is controlled. So, it should make a savage a
citizen of the universe. Thirdly, the intellectual aim of education is to make
us see and imagine the world in an objective manner. It involves the softening
of hopes and fear, loves and hates, and the subjective emotional approach
towards life and the world. So, this is the true aim and moral end of
education.
(iii) Merits of science as against Classical Education (Literature
& Art): -
According to Russell, two
merits belong to science as against Literature and Art, which make it superior.
The first merit of
science is the hopefulness as to the future of human achievement. Science has
transformed the world with its ever-increasing velocity. On the other hand,
there is a special defect inherent in classical education. It lays strong
emphases on the past, which is obsolete and cannot be renewed. It undermines
the achievements of human beings in the present. Moreover, no supreme ability
is required to make useful discoveries in science. Scientific discoveries,
invention, and explorations are the result of continuous process as induction,
deduction, logic, mathematics, etc. whereas: in art and literature, nothing
worth doing can be done without genius. The
second merit of science is that it disregards personal likes and
dislikes. In science, importance is given to scientific truth only. Thus, the
personal ideas of the scientist do not spoil the scientific truth. On the contrary,
classical or literary education lays stress on the subjective side of life. It
deals with our hopes and fears. Loves and hates, passions and feelings, and the
whole subjective emotional life. As a result, we become unable to see life and
world in an objective manner. To Russell, Philosophy, too, can achieve solid
results only through an objective and scientific outlook.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, we can say that in
a very simple, lucid and explanatory style, the writer has expressed his views
about the place and role of science in a liberal education. His definition of
education is quite authentic. He has not totally rejected the importance of art
and literature; rather he views in the favour of science clearly indicate that
he is more impressed by science that by art and literature. In this context, he
writers: “ a life devote to science is a happy life, and its happiness is
derived from the very best sources that are open to dwellers on this troubled
and passionate planet.”
University questions
Q-1 How does Ressell propagate
the significance and superiority of scientific education over others?
(OR)
“The Place of Science in a
Liberal Education” is a highly contemplative commentary of Russell on the
importance of scientific education. Prove.
(OR)
What logic does the writer
give in providing the superiority of scientific education over other ?
ANS: - G.I + Theme Summary +
Conclusion
Q-2. how does Russell
differentiate between Art & Literature in a system of science?
(OR)
In what ways does Russell
advocate the place of science in a system of liberal education?
(OR)
Evaluate Russell’s views with
regard to science , literature, art and philosophy
(OR)
Russell’s essay, “The Place of
Science in a Liberal Education”, is nothing but a praise and recommendation of
the scientific outlook on life in all fields of mental activity. Discuss
ANS: - G.I + Summary +
Conclusion (very brief)
Q-3. How does Russell define
education?
ANS: - G.I + Summary (Paragraph 1 + Definition of education)
Q-4. what do you understand by
the “ moral end of education’?
(OR)
What is, according to Russell, the intellectual aim of
education?
(OR)
What, according to Russell,
are the three aims of education?
ANS: - G.I + Summary (Paragraph 1 + Purpose of Education)
Q-5. What is the main
difference between classical and scientific education? Express in the light of
Bertrand Russell’s discussion of these two kinds of education in the essay.
(OR)
What two merits belong to
science as against Art and Literature as described by Russell?
(OR)
What two merits of science
does Russell describe in his education?
(OR)
How does Russell explain the
fault of classical or literary education ? Compare Liberal education with
Science in the context of his essay .
ANS: - G.I + Theme + Summary (Paragraph 1 + Merits of Science)
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