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Originally Posted by Michael Chui  I believe that if students can desire knowledge, then based on this knowledge, which is not predicated by a restricting application, they can then act knowingly. |
I would consider 'acting knowingly' to be an appropriate use of knowledge and so I don't disagree with you. I would also agree that providing a different frame of reference is a worthwhile use of knowledge.
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Originally Posted by Michael Chui This is a remarkably common question with some definite merit, but the demand for utility to come of all things makes me wonder. How would you apply art, for instance? How about history? What about combinatorics? But is knowledge of these things useful? Certainly. I apply knowledge about them all the time, yet the application is the knowing itself. The easiest example is history: I know facets of the past, and thus can see their effects on the state of today, and so I can grant myself context in which to see our circumstances. |
I admit the implication that use of knowledge be
material use was misleading. I do agree that the pursuit of knowledge is important, and I think that one reason for its importance is the contribution knowledge makes to our world, even if indirectly.
Art could be applied simply by creating more art, or if already created, by providing others with something to admire, be inspired by, or otherwise produce an emotional response.
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Originally Posted by Michael Chui One of the grander flaws of our current school systems is the lack of application in the curriculum we are taught. But I don't think it's a very important one; it seems more to me like a symptom, rather than a cause, of poor curriculum design and pedagogy in general. |
I agree, though I think that if the curriculum doesn't include appropriate teaching of the application of knowledge, then it's failing in the often stated goal of preparing us to enter the workforce. In terms of a truly worthwhile educational system the lack may be unimportant, but in regards to the failings of the current system it seems much more relevant.
What do you think are the real causes, and what are the solutions? Instilling a desire for knowledge would obviously be a great start, but how could that be achieved more effectively than it is now?