The philosophical purpose of education: to prepare (and enable) someone for a supposed future (career, life, existence, etc), relies heavily on the ability to foresee and define that supposed future.
A modernist democracy ravaged by war, or a borderless world comprised of densely populated micro communities or even life on mars are just some of the plethora of theoretical futures that may or may not come to pass. Yet we often prepare for the future that seems the most reachable at this current time and that is often simply a continuation of this current time.
So, we prepare for tomorrow by analysing the events of today.
It is logical. We can measure with immense accuracy the timespan of a decade, but less so an ‘age’. Be it ice, Jurassic, medieval or the industrial revolution.
Our best guesses are just guesses yet we continue to look forward by looking back. Could you have imagined all the todays by analysing the many yesterdays of twenty years ago?
Another point that is clear is that we do “advance” (or sidestep) into new times and ages and in them we carry forward our ability to communicate and share (our advancing knowledge).
This drives our progressive continuation in the name (or hope) of developing ourselves into better, more productive, healthier, better futures (and life on Mars).
With this as the destination, an untrustworthy compass and the ability to communicate knowledge (pretty quickly and effectively), we have at least a fighting chance (we’ve done ok so far, havzen’t we? ..ish).
My imagined future and yours may be incomparable, but both are unknown and anonymous to our worlds today.
Equipping you and I with equal rations is a logical split strategy – and whatever future is proven to be will exist on equal merit (with a very big ‘ish’) of those who plotted that course.
This could imply a meritocratic society – for those who “do more” with the same tools – the same education?
Sadly, regarding that bug ‘ish’ – we don’t all share the same level of education, many don’t receive any.
This then seems like another good starting point for today – for tomorrow. Ensuring opportunities and education are available for everyone.
The list is long of future goals, and improvements.
Our existence is progressively expanding life expectancy (again, not for everyone), and medical science continues to astound, startle and make breakthroughs. Modern diplomacy has resulted in less wars (not all, but certainly less). And our diets are continually being catered to with fortified, vitamin packed, eco-friendly options.
Was this a result of algebra filled classrooms? Or a geography exam, heavy on tectonic movements? – data, facts, history, equation, more data… the more we fill the better?
Or was it… simple the inspiration of a classroom and the open book resource that the setting out of educational philosophy provides.
With so much being debated and critiqued in “21st century education” and the great strides made toward reaching a new goal, I firmly believe the focus on a “new goal” is enough. Enough to feed, inspire, motivate, and harness a willingness to learn and progress – for a better future.
Whilst this may not be an answer, or a rigorous critique of modern standards and influences, I hope at least the future of education can open some minds even if it doesn’t fill them.