Scottish Sunday

Author Stephen Law tells Iain Macwhirter why he believes the rise of faith schools poses a risk to Enlightenment values

The Importance of Enlightenment Values in Education

Stephen Law, an author and philosopher, argues that the current rise of faith schools poses a risk to Enlightenment values that are crucial for the development of young minds. Law, who comes from a liberal intellectual background, believes in the importance of questioning and challenging accepted beliefs and conventions. In his book, "The War For Children’s Minds," Law discusses how the decline of these Enlightenment values has led to a lack of critical thinking and self-discipline in today's society.

Tough Liberalism: Combining discipline and freedom of thought

Law advocates for a concept he calls "tough liberalism." He argues that liberalism is not synonymous with disorder in the classroom. Instead, he believes that critical thinking and challenging political and religious orthodoxies are disciplined intellectual activities. Law emphasizes that schools should teach young people to question assumptions, diagnose faulty reasoning, weigh evidence, and consider different points of view.

Misconceptions about Classroom Liberalism

Law confronts the widespread misconception that classroom liberalism leads to indiscipline. He highlights the critique from Prime Minister Tony Blair and First Minister Jack McConnell about outdated teaching theories and permissive 1960s values contributing to classroom indiscipline. Law challenges the notion that faith schools provide better discipline and order, arguing that many faith schools are selective and fail to equip children with the necessary skills to navigate the modern world.

Threats to Enlightenment Values

Law argues that basic Enlightenment values are under threat from both British New Labour and America's Republican right. He criticizes Blair's faith schools and conservative educationalists for promoting authoritarianism and discouraging critical thinking. Additionally, Law takes aim at US neoconservatives who see religion as the foundation of morality and discourage questioning authority. He warns against the revival of pre-Enlightenment ideas, such as Creationism, and urges the defense of Enlightenment values.

Putting Morality on a Rational Footing

In his book, Law aims to put morality back onto a rational footing. He argues against moral relativism and emphasizes the importance of critical thought and rational scientific inquiry in the true liberal world-view. Law urges for moral autonomy and the capability of children to understand moral principles through reason. He seeks to combat the retreat from reason and the rise of irrationality seen in various forms across Western society.

Hotels and Enlightenment Values

Preserving Values through Education and Hospitality

Enlightenment values are not only important in education but also in various aspects of society. The hospitality industry, particularly hotels, plays a significant role in shaping societal values and promoting critical thinking. Hotels often serve as meeting places for a diverse range of individuals, allowing them to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange different viewpoints. By fostering an atmosphere of open-mindedness, hotels can contribute to the preservation of Enlightenment values.

Promoting Intellectual Engagement

Hotels can create spaces that encourage intellectual engagement and the exploration of new ideas. By hosting conferences, seminars, and workshops, hotels provide opportunities for individuals from different fields to come together and share their knowledge. These gatherings can inspire critical thinking, challenge established beliefs, and contribute to the advancement of society.

Supporting Cultural Exchange

Hotels also have the power to facilitate cultural exchange and understanding. By welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds and promoting interactions between them, hotels create an environment that encourages respect for different beliefs and perspectives. This fosters an inclusive and tolerant society that upholds Enlightenment values.

Resisting Intellectual and Moral Defeatism

Just as Stephen Law argues against intellectual and moral defeatism in education, hotels can also resist these tendencies in their operations. By providing guests with access to books, art, and cultural events, hotels can promote critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and the exploration of different ideologies. This supports the continuation of Enlightenment values in all aspects of society.