The Aesthetics of an Education, Speech, College Term Papers.com


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The Aesthetics of an Education

The Aesthetics of an Education Consequently, it appears that an education that overlooks the critical mechanics of the language from where all knowledge is derived exists in vain. The Aesthetics of an Education is a critical summary of the essay entitled, “Defending against the In defendable,” by Neil Postman. An exceptional English language understanding is essential to education in the American school system. Although the school systems’ intent is closer to induction of students to politics. Neil Postman describes the educational system as it exists today as a, “form of indoctrination” into the society in which we live; more specifically an indoctrination into the political aspect of society. Education can also be a channel used to, ”free the student from the tyranny of the present.” Teachers’ posses the ability to “free” a students mind. “All subjects are forms of discourse,” states Postman. Literary skills are necessary to all fields of study. Seven “principles” are defined in the essay to help cultivate a sophisticated intellectual. Postman identifies the process of definition. The art of asking a question is important. “Virtually all our collective knowledge was attained from asking questions.” It is easier to understand something when a philosophy can be established through a metaphor. Reification, which can be simplified as manipulated or improper word association creates inaccurate interpretation. The sixth concept is delivery. Postman compares language to the performing arts. Finally, “non-neutrality of the media,” obscures reality. It is how images and language are related in the media. In the essay, originated from a lecture given by Mr. Neil postman, we are confronted with a simple yet profound suggestion. In order to excel at any given study it is vital to first observe the aspects of the language in which you study. In this essay English is the language that is analyzed. Everyday students of the United States are tutored in numerous subjects. All these subjects are being explained to them in English. Consequently, it appears that an education that overlooks the critical mechanics of the language from where all knowledge is derived exists in vain. Neil Postman describes the educational system as it exists today as a, “form of indoctrination” into the society in which we live; more specifically an indoctrination into the political aspect of society. I believe there is obvious intent in Postman’s definition of the educational system. The definition of the word indoctrination is described as permeating a persons thinking with a strong point of view. This view is not limited to politics within the government system but includes, social politics and economical politics. From a sociological perspective there is a standard that may not represent the whole. In American society the “standard view” used in defining indoctrination would most likely reflect the individual view of a middle class, Caucasian male. Although the education system involves this process of conditioning and indoctrination, members of the faculty have authority in the classrooms. Education can also be a channel used to, ”free the student from the tyranny of the present.” Teachers’ posses the ability to “free” a students mind. Similar to removing the blinders on a horse, a student’s peripheral view can be enhanced with proper instruction. “All subjects are forms of discourse,” states Postman. Literary skills are necessary to all fields of study. Seven “principles” are defined in the essay to help cultivate a sophisticated intellectual. “Who definition is that and what purposes are served by it?” Postman identifies the process of definition. Ultimately, definitions are defined as hypothesis and nothing more. Even the American Heritage Dictionary is simply taking an educated guess as to what a specific word is trying to convey. Secondly, is the art of asking questions? “Virtually all our collective knowledge was attained from asking questions.” It is purposed that perhaps if we were tutored in the art of asking questions the information accumulated would be improved. It is logical to assume that a vague question will lead to a vague answer, just as a detailed question will lead to a detailed answer. This leads to the third principle. “Less is more.” In this instance more work. The words that are improperly used the most, ironically, are the words that are so simple their definitions vary according to context. He gives the example of the words “right,” “law” and “bad.” These are words that can be used incorrectly to create a misguided question, as discussed before. Fourth, is the theory that all curriculums are developed around a metaphor? We should be able to detect the use of metaphors in other forms of literature instead of a poem. Metaphors, argues Postman, reveals perspective. It is easier to understand something when a philosophy can be established through a metaphor. For example, math can be compared to a black and white photograph. An answer is either true (right) or false (wrong), unlike English where the answer can mimic the spectrum of the rainbow. The fifth concept is one that is relevant to many education experiences of students in the United States. He refers to reification, which can be simplified as manipulated or improper word association. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” technically. If a rose is named urine, our association of the word urine and the smell of urine might make a slightly less sweet rose. In the example of elementary reading assignments, quite often word association is used with colors. Many African American sociologists suggest there is an embedded connotation of good and evil being parallel to white and black. The sixth and final concepts are questionable. The sixth concept is delivery. Postman compares language to the performing arts. This seems to put more emphasis on delivery than seems necessary. He enforces the idea that intonation, tone, mannerisms, etc. all help to identify the difference between a pray versus a speech or poem. Deliverance does not apply to language as it has been examined through out the essay. These are a blend of listening skills or observations. Animation, or lack there of, does not correlate with the other six concepts. Finally, postman looks at the media message. Similar to word association and definitions, “non-neutrality of the media,” obscures reality. The relevance of the last two concepts is minimal in the context of the essay. All of these issues reside in the realm of education except these last two concepts. Before introduction to a primary education most children have had significant exposure to mediums of the media. As for delivery of discourse this too has been implemented prior to formal education and may be influenced by cultural background or even gender. It is clear that a theoretical and practical understanding of the mechanics of language are both essential to successfully earn an education. English is evenly dispersed through all the fields of study in the American educational system. Learning to read between the lines of literary material creates a profound knowledge that is invaluable Bibliography:

Word Count: 1158