It is important to teach how to construct and destruct arguments (verify the argument) it is another to teach how to judge the validity of the argument. It is possicle to have a logically correct aregument but it not be valid. The truth or falsity of each statement within the argument must be evaluated and validated. Just because an argument has the correct logical structure does not mean that it is correct.
Your statement that students are taught to challenge "what is traditional" is a perfect example of what I was alluding to. Some traditional positions a 'true' others are not. too attach all as if they are false is wrong . How to determine the truth or falsity of astatement is key to critical thinking, Just attacking what is traditional as wrong is not.

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It's funny that they try to teach "critical thinking" in today's schools when it is nothing of the sort. Students are only taught to challenge what is traditional in favor of what is popular but the only criticism is based on age - not actual principle. The one thing I loved about Socrates' interrogatories is that he is intent on listening very carefully to what the other says and then engaging them in questions which expose either logical fallacy, bias, or irrationality.

If a question threatens you to the point of denouncing another's thought, you would do well to take note of Socrates.

Socrates claimed he never espoused a particular philosophy but merely went about asking questions, in his case many were the 'wrong' questions, making people uncomfortable or making them search their own minds for answers.

Many thanks. I think you mean her review of The Fountainhead the Play on SS, or something she posted elsewhere. I am glad you are enoying the reading. Feel free to subscribe for a weekly (only sent if something is published) email, it's free.

I don't think you are wrong- at least not when it comes to high school. It's rare for philosophy of any kind to be mentioned.

When the "Damon" in your head tells you to stay and be killed for telling the truth...DON"T LISTEN and get out of Athens!

Yes, there was a higher principle involved but at the same time, Athens just wanted him to go away...in my view, it wasn't worth his life in that moment in time. No good came of it.

That sacrifice was applied to everything going forward without the original context understood.

Thanks for posting, Vinay. Not only did I enjoy this article, it piqued my curiosity about the author and I found her article on Ayn Rand. It may have been posted before, but it's a good read, too.

not wrong.

This play appears to offer a great learning experience for all.
I fear that the knowledge base needed to understand and to fully appreciate what is being presented is lacking in todays "educated" people. What was once called Education in the Classics is sorely missing in todays colleges and Universities. Plato, Aristotle and Socrates are barely mentioned and almost never presented in detail allowing for the comprehension of the thoughs and ideas being presented.
I truly hope I'm wrong in this assessment but I don't think so.

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