The Place of Science in a Liberal Education (Bertrand Russell)

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(6) THE PLACE OF SCIENCE IN A LIBERAL EDUCATION
(Bertrand Russell)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION: -
“The Place of Science in a liberal Education” is a highly contemplative, logical and
scientific essay by Bertrand Russell. He is a well-known philosopher, reformer and thinker of the 20th
century. This Noble Prize winner is admired by the general public for his views on politics, moral, education,
and religion
MAIN IDEA OF THE STORY: -(Theme)
In this essay, Russell has discussed the importance of science in our education system. He
firmly believes that science can provide the best understanding of all that exists in the universe. He has
also compared science with other fields of education to prove it no less superior to them. So, this
beautifully illustrates his firm belief in ‘scientific method’
SUMMARY: -
In Russell’s opinion, of life. Such a wrong thinking is the result of faulty teaching of
science. According t Russell, science is actually much more than that. A layman cannot perceive the system of
patiently constructed knowledge out of which inventions come.
( i) The Definition of Education: -
Russell defines education as “The formations, by means of
instructions, of certain mental habits and a certain outlook on life and the world.” According to this
definition: in the broader sense, education includes all that we learn through instruction and personal
experience. In the narrower sense, education means imparting of definite information on various subjects s.
The teaching of arithmetic, reading and writing at the elementary level ordinary readers of newspapers think
that science in the name of inventions and developments like wireless, telegraphy, aeroplanes, and etc. they
accept science only because it increases the material comforts is education of this kind. In the normal sense,
education is an essential part of the moral and intellectual development of human character and personality.
So, education of a certain kind can form certain mental habits and some peculiar outlook on life in us.
According to Russell, education of science can do much in such a formation of any mental habit and
intellectual outlook on life.
(ii) The Purpose/Moral end of education: -
According to Russell’s definition, there may be three aims of
education: Natural, Moral and intellectual. Firstly, our whole life is built of a certain number of primary
instincts and impulses. They are related to our active life, hopes and fears. The aim of education is to
enlarge the scope of these impulses and thoughts. It should show were the most permanent satisfaction is to be
found. Secondly, the moral aim of education is to soften and control our desires and instincts. Nature
supplies man the force of desire. In a savage this force is violent; but in a civilized man in is controlled.
So, it should make a savage a citizen of the universe. Thirdly, the intellectual aim of education is to make
us see and imagine the world in an objective manner. It involves the softening of hopes and fear, loves and
hates, and the subjective emotional approach towards life and the world. So, this is the true aim and moral
end of education.
(iii) Merits of science as against Classical Education (Literature & Art): -
According to Russell, two merits belong to science as against Literature and
Art, which make it superior. The first merit of science is the hopefulness as to the future of human
achievement. Science has transformed the world with its ever-increasing velocity. On the other hand, there is
a special defect inherent in classical education. It lays strong emphases on the past, which is obsolete and
cannot be renewed. It undermines the achievements of human beings in the present. Moreover, no supreme ability
is required to make useful discoveries in science. Scientific discoveries, invention, and explorations are the
result of continuous process as induction, deduction, logic, mathematics, etc. whereas: in art and literature,
nothing worth doing can be done without genius. The second merit of science is that it disregards personal
likes and dislikes. In science, importance is given to scientific truth only. Thus, the personal ideas of the
scientist do not spoil the scientific truth. On the contrary, classical or literary education lays stress on
the subjective side of life. It deals with our hopes and fears. Loves and hates, passions and feelings, and
the whole subjective emotional life. As a result, we become unable to see life and world in an objective
manner. To Russell, Philosophy, too, can achieve solid results only through an objective and scientific
outlook.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, we can say that in a very simple, lucid and explanatory style, the writer has
expressed his views about the place and role of science in a liberal education. His definition of education is
quite authentic. He has not totally rejected the importance of art and literature; rather he views in the
favour of science clearly indicate that he is more impressed by science that by art and literature. In this
context, he writers: “ a life devote to science is a happy life, and its happiness is derived from the very
best sources that are open to dwellers on this troubled and passionate planet.”

University questions
Q-1 How does Ressell propagate the significance and superiority of scientific education over others?
(OR)
“The Place of Science in a Liberal Education” is a highly contemplative commentary of Russell on the
importance of scientific education. Prove.
(OR)
What logic does the writer give in providing the superiority of scientific education over other ?

ANS: - G.I + Theme Summary + Conclusion

Q-2. how does Russell differentiate between Art & Literature in a system of science?
(OR)
In what ways does Russell advocate the place of science in a system of liberal education?
(OR)
Evaluate Russell’s views with regard to science , literature, art and philosophy
(OR)
Russell’s essay, “The Place of Science in a Liberal Education”, is nothing but a praise and recommendation of
the scientific outlook on life in all fields of mental activity. Discuss

ANS: - G.I + Summary + Conclusion (very brief)

Q-3. How does Russell define education?

ANS: - G.I + Summary (Paragraph 1 + Definition of education)

Q-4. what do you understand by the “ moral end of education’?

(OR)
What is, according to Russell, the intellectual aim of education?
(OR)
What, according to Russell, are the three aims of education?

ANS: - G.I + Summary (Paragraph 1 + Purpose of Education)

Q-5. What is the main difference between classical and scientific education? Express in the light of Bertrand
Russell’s discussion of these two kinds of education in the essay.
(OR)
What two merits belong to science as against Art and Literature as described by Russell?
(OR)
What two merits of science does Russell describe in his education?
(OR)
How does Russell explain the fault of classical or literary education ? Compare Liberal education with Science
in the context of his essay .

ANS: - G.I + Theme + Summary (Paragraph 1 + Merits of Science)

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