Classical vs. Modern Education: A Vision from C.S. Lewis Paperback – November 2, 2017

Dr. Turley’s small book Classical vs. Modern Education: A Vision from C. S. Lewis is a must read for anyone who is concerned about the state of affairs throughout our culture. Immediately readable, Turley uses C. S. Lewis’ “The Abolition of Man” as his foundation to demonstrate the difference between what is now called education and what the experience of over 2000 years of education produced. It is a quick read to stimulate and direct the much needed discussion about education if any society and culture is going to survive and thrive into the future. He offers an antidote to the poison of mass, one-size-fits-all education.Recently I have read “Modern Physics and Ancient Faith” by Stephen Barr who tackles the thorny issue of scientism as a religious belief and how the lack of a classical view of the world actually hampers scientific knowledge and understanding. And I have recently read The Way of Beauty by David Clayton who also addresses many of the cosmic values of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty where he discusses the critical necessity to reclaim this harmony with the cosmos.

This book gives an excellent summary of Classical vs Modern Education.It includes useful terminology for understanding the concept of modern education and classical education.It also explains the bigger picture behind the dichotomy.I would recommend this book as an excellent introduction to understanding education as it currently is and as it likely should be.

I read this book in less than an hour. It deals with C.S. Lewis' Abolition of Man and, coincidently (I did not know that was so), I had finished trade that book the day before. So, it was all fresh in my mind and Mr. Turkey's book helped me further digest Lewis' dense work. I recommend it as a way to get enthusiastic about Classical Education. Go for it!

This is a brief yet illuminating account of the philosophical perspective underpinning classical education: roughly, striving towards fitting into a community, a culture, a set of values -- a balancing act between those things and people around you and your own personal desires. The classical viewpoint was that we need to place a high value on the community, because we are happiest within it, and that community flourishes when we cooperate towards making it stronger. In contrast, the modern perspective is self-centered, looking at the world and the people in it as means to satisfying one's personal desires and ambitions. This is the pernicious view in which all value, certainly the highest value, is placed on maximizing profit or self-indulgent desires. We see this pernicious viewpoint from big corporations who move their factories to China or North Korea (via China) for the cheapest labor possible, thereby maximizing profits -- at the expense of crippling America by removing manufacturing from America and impoverishing the American worker by taking away sustainable jobs, jobs people can feed their families with. We see this pernicious viewpoint from globalists who clamor for illegal immigration because it's a source of cheap labor, resulting in the impoverishment of the poor and low middle class American citizens, a lot of black, brown, and white families.

This little booklet has weighty discussion. Well worth the time and price

A thoughtful look at the consequences that opposing worldviews have in education, viz., modern public education vs. classical education. Turley's thoughts are influenced by C.S. Lewis' The Abolition of Man, and I appreciate the way he brings out the contrasts in those educational systems. He begins at a point in world history where the Greek language and Aristotle's logic are seen as foundational to classical education, but I think the work would be better if it referenced the Shema and Torah that underlie the New Testament's use of the word paidea. I am OK with Lewis' use of the concept of Tao, but only because "Tao' is the Chinese rendering of "Logos." I do not believe Lewis intended the Tao of Taoism. It is a good, concise book and will make you optimistic about the future of society because people are abandoning the failing educational system of secular humanism and embracing classical education and home schooling.

The indoctrination of society in general, and education in particular, has been a gradual, subtle, yet steady and almost unnoticeable phenomenon for nearly 100 years! Turley provides a brief, yet brilliant, overview of these twists of social events, bringing to light a huge problem, but also hope for a better future! As parents, educators, entrepreneurs, ministers, or any or multiple participants of our spheres of society, we have the power to break the barriers and make a difference!

Turley gives us a helpful summary of modern education and it's goals while pulling heavily from the Abolition of man

The book shows the reality about modern school. Classical educators have a heavy duty, to proclaim the truth about classical Education.

Interesting, but very short lecture that is more an introduction into a topic then it's analysis. Covers interesting aspects that are almost forgotten these days.

Anything this scholar says or writes always seems to be brilliant, insightful, profound, critical, and cutting-edge. I really like how this book expounds on the goals of pre-modern man in relation to education - and this is such a powerful lesson for the confused and disenchanted post-modern generation. We need a veritable reboot to education and I thank God for this wonderful resource - thank you, Dr. Turley!

A wonderful mental excursion into meaning that resonated with what is happening in the world today. Sadly, the light at the end of the tunnel in this book is not yet visible in the UK. So I am hoping in the unseen and trusting that the image of the living God - by which all mankind was created will arise. The degradation of mankind to a bipedal primate is - in my view at the core of the distortion that has polluted all that Our God created and called 'good'. So no God...no need 'Good'. An excellent reminder at the end that God is both Good and Great. I pray the awakening in America shake up the UK education system - which is not at all good.

This is an incredible valuable book. It's a pleasure to read yet has deep and far-reaching concepts that will help anyone prosper in life.