Questions for Discussion

1. In this essay, Ralph Waldo Emerson describes his view of an ideal education. What are its defining characteristics?

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: In this essay, Ralph Waldo Emerson describes his view of an ideal education. What are its defining characteristics?
2. In what ways is Emerson’s advice appropriate to a child’s first teacher—his or her parents?

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: In what ways is Emerson’s advice appropriate to a child’s first teacher—his or her parents?
3. Why does Emerson believe “[i]t is better to teach the child arithmetic and Latin grammar than rhetoric or moral philosophy” (para. 5)?

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: Why does Emerson believe “[i]t is better to teach the child arithmetic and Latin grammar than rhetoric or moral philosophy” (para. 5)?
4. In what ways does this essay point out the education system’s effect on teachers as well as students?

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: In what ways does this essay point out the education system’s effect on teachers as well as students?
5. What exactly is the “natural method” to which Emerson refers (para. 8)?

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: What exactly is the “natural method” to which Emerson refers (para. 8)?
6. Why does Emerson criticize schools as bureaucratic institutions (para. 10)?

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: Why does Emerson criticize schools as bureaucratic institutions (para. 10)?
7. Emerson refers to educating “a boy” and “a man” and uses masculine pronouns when referring to students. As a reader, does this gender bias affect how receptive you are to Emerson’s ideas? Are his ideas equally applicable to women? If you do not think so, then how would they need to be changed to be applicable to both men and women, boys and girls?

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: Emerson refers to educating “a boy” and “a man” and uses masculine pronouns when referring to students. As a reader, does this gender bias affect how receptive you are to Emerson’s ideas? Are his ideas equally applicable to women? If you do not think so, then how would they need to be changed to be applicable to both men and women, boys and girls?
8. Describe the adult that Emerson imagines would emerge from an education based on the principles he supports.

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Questions for Discussion: Describe the adult that Emerson imagines would emerge from an education based on the principles he supports.