Some people believe that the purpose of education is to free the mind and the spirit. Others believe that formal education tends to restrain our minds and spirits rather than set them free.

Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the views presented.

The first statement gives two opposing views about the purpose of education, the first stating that it is to liberate the mind and the second that it is to restrain the mind and restrict the soul. In my view, the second view is closer to the truth as, paradoxically, the repression of spirit through formal education furthers the mind’s ability to be free

In much the same way, the suppression of certain ideas, thoughts, and emotions through repression is detrimental to the mind’s ability to think, act, and be creative. Censorship both at home and in school inhibits the free flow of ideas and thoughts, truncating the abilities of the students. The youth who are subjected to such restrictions often become angry, rebellious, and apathetic at a very young age. The formation of personalities is often stunted and, in effect, the mind and the soul are restricted

The opposite is true when a mind is allowed to wander freely. When a child is allowed to explore and experiment on their own, they develop a deep sense of self-reliance and self-confidence. When they are given the freedom to pursue their interests and talents, they become more capable of emotional expression and of forming their own ideas. By being given time to read, write, and discuss independently, the learners are able to express their thoughts freely. In this way, the minds of students are not restrained, but rather freed

This does not mean that formal education should be abolished or that schools should cater to only the most rebellious of students. Rather, it should focus more on promoting the free exchange of ideas, allowing students to come to their own conclusions and trusting them to make their own decisions. For example, because schools are required by law to teach certain subjects, students are forced to study subjects that they may not find interesting or meaningful. The solution to this is simple, however: students should be encouraged to find their own passions and interests and to freely explore those passions, finding their own applications for what they are learning. In this way, students will benefit from both the restraints and the freedoms that are provided by formal education.

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