Book Review

ABSTRACT

Education is a change for the better. Man may learn many things, but if these things do not change him into a better person, then he has not acquired education. The goal of education, then is to change man to be better mentally, physically, socially, morally, and spiritually. (A.M. Lardizabal)1988.

Education is based in certain foundations. Foundations mean bases, support, principles, origin, tenets, or whatever substructure to be built upon. Any strong or worthwhile thing needs foundations. A house or a bridge needs strong foundation or it will easily collapse if there is a typhoon, flood, or earthquake. To be lasting, friendship or marriage must also be based on strong foundations. Plato was of the opinion that education must begin at an early age. In order to make sure that children study well, Plato insisted that children be brought up in a hale and healthy environment and that the atmosphere implant ideas of truth and goodness.

There are several foundations of education – psychological (science of human behavior), sociological (study of society or people living in groups), anthropology ( study of civilization, cultural development, beliefs, customs, mores, traditions etc. of mankind) philosophical (a way of thinking: study of the truths and principles), and historical (study of past events).

Superfreakonomics a non-fiction book will provide food for thought in the form of odd but illuminating juxtapositions and intentionally provocative questions. It's refreshing to know that there isn't just one way of looking at the world; the "common knowledge" that is so pervasive it's not even questioned anymore can be not just wrong, but spectacularly so. It's also a bit unsettling. I learned about the "bystander effect" in my entry-level under-grad psychology course; it was a fact, a given, in my study of basic group dynamics. And it's a complete fallacy. So does it follow that I should question absolutely everything I "know" to be true? Some level of taking...