Observations placeholder
Comenius - Didactica Magna - Encourage the use of the word ‘why’
Identifier
020675
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
This is a general admonition to encourage the use of the word ‘why’ at every stage of schooling, whatever the subject. In effect, to promote debate and understanding and the use of logic.
In another part of the same work, Comenius even goes so far as to say that people should reject any information for which a satisfactory explanation is not given
A description of the experience
The Great Didactic of John Amos Comenius - Translated into English by M. W. Keatinge, M.A.1967
Not only the nature of each object is pointed out but also the reason why it cannot be otherwise. For knowledge is nothing but the acquaintance with an object that we gain by mastering its causes.
In schools everything should be taught through its causes.
... with every subject of instruction the question of its practical use must also be raised, that nothing useless may be learnt.