iReview: Education and Economics

Hello

Today,  I would like to talk about Chapter 14 from the book Education and the Social Order by Bertrand Russell. The title of the chapter is "Education and Economics".

Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bertrand Russell was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, and public intellectual. He had influence on mathematics, logic, set theory, and various areas of analytic philosophy.

WHAT THE CHAPTER IS ABOUT?

This chapter explores the profound and multifaceted influence of economic factors on education throughout history. Russell examines how economic systems shape educational funding, the aims of education (like increased production), class structures and the type of education received, and the role of endowments and traditions. Russell argues that economic forces significantly shape educational systems across history and different nations. He examines this influence through five key lenses:

1. the amount of money a state invests in education (influenced by economic prosperity);
2. education's role in boosting production (especially via technical training and research);
3. the impact of wealth distribution on class-based educational disparities;
4. the conservative influence of endowments and religious bequests;
5. and the lingering effects of past economic conditions on present-day educational traditions, particularly concerning sexual morality.

Author argues that economic systems, particularly capitalism, create inequalities in education, fostering competition and conservatism; and contrasts this with a hypothetical communist system, suggesting it could potentially lead to a more meritocratic and less socially divisive educational landscape.

KEY TERMS:

Aristocracy: 

A form of government where power is held by a privileged, hereditary ruling class.

Bureaucracy: 

A system of government where decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives.

Capitalism: 

An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.

Communism: 

A political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the community.

Economic Determinism: 

The theory that economic forces determine all other aspects of society, including culture, politics, and education.

Industrial Revolution: 

A period of major technological and social change that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and spread to other parts of the world, marked by the introduction of new machinery, factories, and mass production.

Nationalism: 

A strong identification with one's nation, often accompanied by a belief in its superiority and a desire for its advancement.

Plutocracy: 

A society governed by the wealthy.

Rationalism: 

A belief in the power of reason and logic to understand the world.

Secular Culture: 

Culture that is not specifically religious in nature.

Socialism: 

A political and economic theory that advocates for social ownership or control of the means of production and distribution of goods and services.

Utilitarian: 

Relating to the philosophy of utilitarianism, which emphasizes actions that promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

That is all for today.

Comment and share your views on the given chapter. 

Do you agree with Russell?

Thank you.