Teaching Johnny to think : a philosophy of education based on the principles of Ayn Rand's objectivism

Dr. Peikoff makes a compelling case for a rational system of education by contrasting three schools of philosophy and the different educational alternatives they propose to replace our present system. He translates the usual abstract discussions in this field into material easily comprehensible to the reader. In the process, he defines a proper methodology and curriculum that will produce thinking high school graduates confident of their ability to achieve their goals. Leonard Peikoff is the preeminent Rand scholar writing today. He worked closely with Ayn Rand in New York City for thirty years and was designated by her as heir to her estate. He has taught philosophy at several places, including Hunter College and New York University. Dr. Peikoff is the author of The DIM Hypothesis: Why the Lights of the West Are Going Out, The Ominous Parallels, and Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand. He grew up in Western Canada and now lives in Southern California. Cover Back Cover Title Preface The American School: Why Johnny Can’t Think Contents Introduction 1. The Nature and Purpose of Education Five Theories of Education Classical Theory Socialization Theory Child-Centered Theory Moral or Behavioral Theory Cognitive Theory Intrinsic, Subjective and Objective Theories of Cognition 2. The Teaching of Thinking Methods Principles of Good Teaching Motivation Cognitive Integration Sequence and Structure 3. A Proper Curriculum The Three Rs Mathematics History Science Literature 4. Teacher Skills The Lecture Method versus the Discussion Method Training Teachers The Politics of Education