A Liberal Education Is the Best Path to a Democratic Nation

A liberal education is the best path to a democratic nation Introduction: Education has always been one of the building blocks of a nation. Indeed, the educational system in the Philippines has come a long way as different colonial periods slowly shaped its current form. Perhaps one of the greatest educational influences introduced to the Philippine archipelago is the concept of liberal education which was brought about by the Americans. Aside from liberal education, democracy was also brought about by the Americans. These two concepts then shaped the course of Philippine history and is strongly felt up to this day. Why is it significant? Since a liberal education aims at strengthening the holistic development of the individual, it creates a pool of free thinkers, and catalysts for change. In a nation where freedom is more of a need than a want, liberal education serves as uniting force for absolute freedom. Why is it argumentative? The topic is argumentative because there are other factors in shaping a country’s democracy. To say that liberal education is the BEST path to a democratic nation implies that all other factors that shape a democratic nation are non-bearing. Definition of Terms: Education- (also called learning, teaching or schooling) in the general sense is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character, or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense, education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to another. Liberalism- (from the Latin liberalis, â€Å"of freedom†) is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberal Education- described as â€Å"a philosophy of education that empowers individuals with broad knowledge and transferable skills, and a stronger sense of values, ethics, and civic engagement †¦ characterized by challenging encounters with important issues, and more a way of studying than a specific course or field of study† (Association of American Colleges and Universities) Democracy- is a form of government in which all people have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal (and more or less direct) participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law. It can also encompass social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination. Hypothesis: 1. Can liberal education be considered as a social equalizer? 2. Will liberal education sustain development and long-term economic progress? 3. How would liberal thinkers contribute to the betterment of our nation? Sub-thesis: 1. Liberal education is the greatest social equalizer. 1. 1Education as the balance wheel of the social machinery. History shows us that with strong mentors and a solid education, even someone without a privileged background can transform their destiny. Beyond the positive global ripple effect that education offers, there are also many personal gains to be made. And that’s where liberalism in education comes in; it serves as a guide in order for individuals to make the right choices not only in consideration to their personal gains but also for the betterment of the whole society. 1. 2Effect on Cohesion of Societies By exposing students to a wide range of differing views and encouraging them to make connections across different disciplines and cultures, we would hope that liberal education promotes tolerance and understanding of others. Liberal education can also foster a sense of community and of working together to achieve goals. And by broadening and deepening knowledge of history, the arts, and the sciences, it nurtures both pride in one's own culture and respect for others. 1. 3 Increased Social Participation Strong leaders help move countries forward, but an informed and engaged citizenry can often serve as a necessary and constructive counterbalance to the power of leaders. By spreading knowledge and increasing debate, broadening liberal education away from elite groups will tend to lead to a more involved citizenry. 2. A liberal education is capable of sustaining development and long-term economic progress. 2. 1On Economy We think that business leaders are more likely to innovate when they have been stimulated by the broad range of studies that typically comprise liberal education. For developing economies, such innovation can mean moving into new, more productive fields, and adapting technologies developed elsewhere to create new jobs, and reduce poverty at home. Liberal education, which encourages people to question and challenge conventional thinking and practices, can be an important catalyst for increasing an economy's fluidity. . Liberal thinkers will profusely contribute to the betterment of our nation. 3. 1On Policy-Making There is no standard recipe for reaching development goals, but much of the evidence we have suggests that good governance, good macroeconomic management, attention to education and health, and integration into the world economy are useful ingredients. All of these instru ments of development (some of which–like health and education–are goals in themselves) require generalist as well as specialist knowledge and skills. . 2On Reducing Brain Drain Students who have an opportunity to receive a well-designed, broad-based education in their own countries are more likely to pursue their studies at home and avoid the cost of going abroad. A related benefit derived from the fact that a liberal education promotes a culture of lifelong learning, which abets the development of a vibrant intellectual culture and encourages professionals trained in other countries to work in their own country, for that country's benefit. Conclusion: By teaching students how to think rather than what to think, and how to learn rather than what to learn, a liberal education produces graduates who are better able to adapt and respond to the demands of a fast-changing economic and social environment. In consideration to all statements and proofs above, we believe that it is necessary to acknowledge the role United State’s played in the realization of the benefits of a liberal education in the progression and growth of a democratic country. By establishing the University of the Philippines through Act No. 870 of the First Philippine Legislation, the United States imparted to us this important segment of higher education that from then up to now is continuously producing liberal idealists that helps in progressing not only our economy but also our national identity. Sources: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Liberal_education http://www. aacu. org/leap/what_is_liberal_education. cfm http://www. aacu. org/liberaleducation/le-wi03/l e-wi03feature2. cfm http://judymontero9. com/2009/03/12/judy-to-dreamers-education-is-the-great-equalizer/