Recent history has displayed an astonishing level of growth in our understanding of various scientific disciplines, and the technological advancements that seem to continually pour forth are truly remarkable. Currently, an education in a STEM field is considered highly desirable as it is often perceived as providing a key to unlocking a successful career. On the other hand, many often approach scientific disciplines with anxiety from fear that the topics are too challenging to grasp. While not denying the practical benefits that may come from a scientific education or the difficult concepts that will be addressed, a classical approach to education differs from a modern approach to scientific study as it takes a more complete view of where science fits in the development of a well-educated student.
A classical education seeks to teach what is true, good, and beautiful, which are objective realities defined by God. The study of science helps toward this end as scientific disciplines are a means of establishing facts about the world that God has created through observation and experimentation and categorizing what is learned into coherent models that explain our understanding of the facts that we discover. Ultimately we seek to grow in our understanding of what is true about the world that God has created. Psalm 19 tells us that “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Whether you’re studying the smallest atom or the vast expanse of the universe, the intricate details of how our world works are truly awe inspiring and help fuel our worship of the one who designed it all.
In addition, there is a rigor associated with a classical approach that values the reasoning underlying scientific disciplines, and there is a desire to see the student grow in his ability to understand and communicate these ideas. The goal is not merely to be able to get the right answer on a quiz but to develop a level of mastery of the subject that will equip the student with tools he will continue to carry with him after the class has ended.
A classical approach goes beyond what is merely practical about science and its usefulness in attaining a job. By neither overstating nor understating the value of science, a classical approach helps us understand science as an important piece that fits within education as a whole.
Sources
Introductory Physics, Third Edition John D. Mays
