Comparison/contrast - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... The American education according to Delbanco was meant to turn the 18th and 19th century soul away from the selfish beliefs and behavior that plagued most people. On page 2, Delbanco says that the institutions of higher education are “…about transmitting knowledge of and from the past to undergraduate students so they may draw upon it as a living resource in the future”.
On the other hand, Martha Nussbaum believes that education is meant to cultivate humanity and it does not necessarily have to be done in an institution. In contrast to Delbanco’s views of a democratic modern-day education, liberal education is tied to democracy and a person’s unexamined life without education threatens the democratic freedom of a state. In addition, Nussbaum cites on page 43 that “…liberal education is primarily an American idea” even though she is quick to cite that it has its roots in other traditions such as the Greco-Roman traditions.
Unlike Deblanco who is a Professor in humanities, Nussbaum is a philosopher and a Professor of law. However, despite their differences in careers, the two have similar views in what they write. Delbanco believes that the modern-day teacher to tries and ensure that there is an awakening in the modern-day students. On page 45, Deblanco also says that it is necessary to “…get the soul out of bed, out of her deep habitual sleep”. On the other hand Nussbaum notes that institutions of higher education now see that their curricula do not do so much when it comes to forming citizens in readiness for a society that is pluralistic. Nussbaum says o page 44 that“…these nations are recognizing that their curricula for higher education do nothing to form citizens of a pluralistic society”.
In comparison, Delbanco asserts that there are very few colleges that work on informing their students ...Download file to see next pagesRead More