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What are the reasons for education. Why do we need it. What subjects are required for an education to be considered good? What factors of education contribute to inequalitlty?

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Various meanings of equality—political, social, and economic—that are commonly overlooked in conversations on education. It challenges the skill-dissemination, technology-driven approach to economic equality that downplays the political roots of inequality. The article argues that the main cause of economic inequality is political decisions like bank deregulation and international economic policy. Technological advancements may help to decrease the wage gap in part, but executive pay norms and other political and social factors play a major role in maintaining inequality. To fight against inequality, it is therefore vital to focus on political equality and provide individuals with the means to participate in democratic processes.

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If political choices determine the rules that shape distributive patterns, it makes sense to focus first on political, not economic, equality. And if we choose political equality as our orienting ideal—empowering all to participate capably in the life of a polity—a different view of education’s purpose, content, and consequence comes into view. - Danielle Allen

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To make judgments about the course of human events
and our government’s role in them, we need history, anthropology, cultural studies, economics, political science, sociology, and psychology, not to mention math—especially the statistical reasoning necessary for probabilistic judgment— and science, as governmental policy naturally intersects with scientific questions. -Danielle Allen

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Education has shifted towards more of a STEM learning process. Their reasoning for this is that better STEM skills equal better jobs and bettering our future. However, by doing this, they are taking away students' civil education, which is equally as important for our future.

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This revision of the liberal arts curriculum is controversial but necessary, for we want to retain the purposes and intellectual methods of the liberal arts, if not all of its content. We still need to cultivate capacities for social diagnosis, ethical reasoning, cause-and-effect analysis, and persuasive argumentation. - Danielle Allen

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The absence of liberal arts causes a decline in political engagement. People studying humanities voted 10% more than those studying STEM majors. Voting is important because they are the ones controlling laws and regulations. these very laws and regulations are responsible for some forms of inequality.

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Identifying the goal of education is the introduction's main goal. People who support vocational education want more STEM-related coursework and practical experience. The opposition advocates for civic education, which demands for a higher level of what they refer to as "participatory readiness." Despite having divergent opinions, both sides are working to combat inequality. According to vocational ideas, increasing STEM education for students will improve their abilities and lessen wealth inequality. On the other hand, the civic side thinks that politics is what causes income inequality. As a result, students need to be more prepared for participation, which will improve their prospects in politics. Allen provides definitions for several terms that are critical to her argument, including "equality," "agency," and "civic education." She argues that in order for individuals to participate in and understand democracy, civic education must make this possible.She stresses the crucial role of education in addressing social injustices, emphasizing the necessity for all students, regardless of their financial situation, to gain the knowledge and skills needed to fully participate in civic life. Allen's argument has significant implications. If civic education is not promoted, future generations may lack the essential knowledge and abilities to engage in democracy, resulting in a disengaged and powerless public. She argues that neglecting the inequality in civic participation skills among underprivileged children in educational institutions may exacerbate societal inequality. In the final paragraph, Allen calls for a reassessment of educational objectives and emphasizes the importance of integrating civic education into any curriculum in a democratic society. Allen highlights the transformative influence of education in nurturing responsible, engaged citizens and economically productive individuals within the context of civic engagement in education. Education should not only help students comprehend their rights but also prepare them to actively support democratic governance and effect social change. Allen advocates for an education system that not only fosters intellectual growth but also empowers individuals to be active, informed participants in shaping a just and equitable society.

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Allen talks about the disparities that exist today and how education must address these problems to give kids from all backgrounds an equal chance to take part in democracy. Undervaluing civic education could leave future generations unprepared to participate in democratic processes. Social inequality may increase without a solid civic education foundation because individuals with less access to high-quality education do not have the self-advocacy necessary to stand up for themselves.

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Education in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is crucial to enabling individuals to engage productively in the workforce and public life. STEM education creates pathways to in-demand professions that promote economic independence and the development of employees with the skills needed for innovation. STEM education equips students to become engaged, knowledgeable citizens who can promote evidence-based policies and solutions in their communities by promoting analytical reasoning and technological ability. Investing in STEM education, then, not only equips people for fulfilling careers but also promotes responsible engagement in a democratic society, highlighting the significance of education in producing capable and involved citizens.

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Strong educational programs, especially those that prioritize STEM fields, develop the critical thinking and analytical skills required for creativity. In order to come up with creative remedies, students must learn to challenge presumptions, conduct experiments, and improve their ideas. Students get real-world experience that encourages creative thinking through practical projects and group problem-solving.New fields and career opportunities might arise from creativity and technological advancements. Nations that place a high priority on innovation have seen rapid economic growth.

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Enrolling in STEM programs equips students with critical technical skills and knowledge that are instantly useful in high-demand fields like engineering, information technology, and healthcare. Through practical learning experiences and group projects, students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills in addition to gaining familiarity with the tools and technologies utilized in their field. Furthermore, communication and teamwork skills are highly valued in STEM education, which enables students to work well with others and communicate complex ideas to others. The curriculum also encourages adaptability and a lifelong learning attitude, both of which are essential for meeting the needs of customers and the swift advancement of technology.

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"Rewards would go, he said, to schools that develop more classes “that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math—the skills today’s employers are looking for to fill jobs right now and in the future.” ... “job-ready on day one.”- Barack Obama

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Poor catch up if they are technologically euqal

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Poor catch up if they are technologically euqal

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“Historical experience suggests that the principal mechanism for convergence [of incomes and wealth] at the international as well as the domestic level is the diffusion of knowledge. In other words, the poor catch up with the rich to the extent that they achieve the same level of technological know-how, skill, and education.” -Thomas Piketty

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Politics create the economic inequality 

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Politics create the economic inequality 

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“It is the institutions and the political equilibrium of a society that determine how technology evolves, how markets function, and how the gains from various different economic arrangements are distributed.” Daron Acemoğlu and Jim Robinson

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How social aspect affects people mentally

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How social aspect affects people mentally

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"It is not that civic education is incompatible with professional training, but policymakers, education specialists, and many parents—including low-income parents, whose children are most likely to see their civic education shortchanged—have narrowed their focus exclusively to the economic field." Allen Danielle

This shows me people of people of lesser backgrounds struggle getting their civil education due to pressure from society. They feel they need to put their kids in these programs for them to have a better chance at life." - Danielle Allen

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When I created the argument map for Danielle Allen’s “What is Education For?”, I gained valuable insights into how different layers of an argument come together to shape a comprehensive vision of education. The map provided a visual breakdown of the text, highlighting Allen’s focus on the dual purposes of education: individual empowerment and civic engagement. I came to realize the deep interconnection between these two objectives in Allen’s framework—education is not solely about acquiring skills for personal success but also about preparing individuals to actively participate in society.
While working on the map, I found that the civic side of education is frequently eclipsed by more career-oriented tales. Considering Allen's emphasis on the value of developing critical thinking and individual initiative in a thriving democracy, I began to look into how to effectively integrate civic and vocational education. The reminder that education molds us into responsible members of society as well as competent professionals was a helpful prompt. Examining Allen's responses to the counterarguments was particularly satisfying, since she makes a strong case for the wider goals of education while also acknowledging the need of work preparation. I now have a deeper respect for the nuance in her argument as a result of this. I learned how important it is to map concepts graphically to improve understanding and highlight connections that might not be obvious from reading the text alone. This technique provides for a better ordered study and allows for a deeper investigation of complicated topics, thus I aim to use it in future projects.