Article Review - Nov. 20: Hist 440 by Gazdzik, Kazimir B

Gazdzik — 2024-11-20 03:32:03 UTC

Gazdzik — 2024-11-20 03:34:25 UTC

Gazdzik — 2024-11-20 03:43:17 UTC

Horace Mann Article - Tysen S.

2024-11-21 00:01:53 UTC

-The state (Massachusetts) should propose themselves to the well-being of all the people.

-Poverty is a public and private evil. The Earth provides for than enough resources for everyone!

-According to European theory, men are divided into classes based on wealth. According to Massachusetts theory, all are to have an equal chance in earning and security

-The ambition of a state should be like a flame. Its flame should reach the coldest and darkest of men (aka the poor).

-When all capital is in the hands of one class, all the labor is thrown onto another.

-Education is the great equalizer of all men and social classes. If you are educated, you can fight the selfishness of others, preventing poor families.

-"Knaves and robbers can obtain what was before possessed by others. But education creates or develops new treasures..."

Answer the following:

Gazdzik — 2024-11-21 01:46:06 UTC

What should be our primary goal, equality of opportunity, or some version of Mann's goal of moving in the direction of greater equality/ overall?

Response - Tysen S.

2024-11-21 02:50:06 UTC

Overall, I think our primary goal should be equality of opportunity. Everyone should have an equal opportunity of education no matter who you are or where you come from. Mann makes excellent points, specifically about his reference to how the state should be like a flame. The "flame" should reach the coldest and darkest of men. I interpreted this meaning that the state should allow everyone an opportunity to prosper no matter who you are. I also like Mann's quote of, "Knaves and robbers can obtain what was before possessed by others. But education creates or develops new treasure..." Basically, education allows you the chance to do something that nobody can take from you.

Mann Report

2024-11-25 17:56:08 UTC

Tysen did a nice job of relating the main points in Mann's report. I wonder though, if education is STILL the "great equalizer"? Public education has been a cornerstone national institution for over a century, yet there seem so many unresolved problems. The value of public education must be recognized, and we need to better fund public schools, but something is clearly wrong when you look at any measure of inequality in America. If access to education isn't the be all end all to building a better society, what is?