From
the Director
I am excited to devote this issue of Beyond the Test to the
Quadrivium, the “four-fold way” to knowledge through mathematically-based
studies. The Quadrivium is so important because it introduces
students to Truth, yet it has suffered more changes than any part of
the classical curriculum. Arithmetic, understood as the study
of interesting numbers, is no longer done; algebra, the art of problem-solving
has taken its place. The mathematical study of music is also
missing. Astronomy has broadened into physics; even geometry
has a different face than of old.
My own encounter with Euclid’s geometry as a freshman in college demonstrated
to me the importance of the Quadrivium and marked a turning point in
my life. Math had always come easily to me; I learned the rules
and could apply them without too much trouble, but my classes never
considered whether the rules were true or false. They were just
rules, and we had no time to figure out where they came from. Euclid
taught me the truth behind the rules, and introduced me to Truth and
to the power of the mind to know.
In this issue, we emphasize the central difference in spirit between
the classical and contemporary high school level studies of mathematics. New
York math teacher, Dr. Paul Lockhart, laments the lack of real math
in today’s classrooms; I underscore the ancient devotion to truth in
the study of mathematics; and naturally, Euclid’s Elements is
our Featured Resource.
I think you will also benefit from the practical wisdom found in our
Featured School article about St. Augustine’s Academy in Ventura, California,
where Institute President Michael Van Hecke leads as headmaster.
I hope this issue can help your faculty begin to reflect on the direction
of your mathematics program. Math forms such an important part
of today’s curricula; our students spend so much time studying it, and
it offers great opportunities for education of the person. Reflecting
on its role is definitely worth some time.
In Christ,
Andrew Seeley, Ph.D.
Director, The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education
|
