Everyone is biased. Even those who strive to be as objective as possible still have a unique perspective on events. After all, that’s one of the things that make us human. And while we do strive for objectivity, we at Classical Historian have a distinct perspective on history and society. We’d like to be as open and honest as possible about our bias so that you know exactly where we’re coming from.
Perhaps the best way to start is by borrowing an analogy from a brilliant thinker, G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton told a story about two people who come across a fence in the middle of the road. The first was frustrated because the fence got in his way, so he set out to tear it down. However, the second was a bit more thoughtful. He wondered why the fence had been put up—what purpose did it serve?
The story of Chesterton’s Fence shows how important it is to seek understanding before passing judgment. Yet in many history classes today, students are taught to despise the past. Without the opportunity to study historical context, they form opinions based on emotion alone. This is a recipe for ignorance, frustration, and self-loathing.
Perhaps the best way to start is by borrowing an analogy from a brilliant thinker, G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton told a story about two people who come across a fence in the middle of the road. The first was frustrated because the fence got in his way, so he set out to tear it down. However, the second was a bit more thoughtful. He wondered why the fence had been put up—what purpose did it serve?
The story of Chesterton’s Fence shows how important it is to seek understanding before passing judgment. Yet in many history classes today, students are taught to despise the past. Without the opportunity to study historical context, they form opinions based on emotion alone. This is a recipe for ignorance, frustration, and self-loathing.
Telling the Story of America in Context
Classical Historian is different. We teach history in context so that students develop a mature understanding of their heritage. Rather than shying away from the horrors of history, we want our students to know just how exceptional their lives are. And by challenging students to participate in Socratic discussions, we aim to nurture a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
This approach holds true in our US History curriculum. It is an unfortunate fact that many history textbooks have become politicized, leading parents to worry about the instruction their children will receive. We believe that by showing how America built on the heritage of Western Civilization, we can help students develop an appreciation for their country that is based on fact instead of fiction.
For example, in our Story of Liberty series, we don’t start in colonial times or with the arrival of Columbus. Rather, we begin in the ancient world. If students are to understand American institutions, they need to understand the heritage of liberty that began with the Hebrews and Greeks and developed throughout the Medieval period. This is the context necessary to apply the lesson of Chesterton’s Fence.
This approach holds true in our US History curriculum. It is an unfortunate fact that many history textbooks have become politicized, leading parents to worry about the instruction their children will receive. We believe that by showing how America built on the heritage of Western Civilization, we can help students develop an appreciation for their country that is based on fact instead of fiction.
For example, in our Story of Liberty series, we don’t start in colonial times or with the arrival of Columbus. Rather, we begin in the ancient world. If students are to understand American institutions, they need to understand the heritage of liberty that began with the Hebrews and Greeks and developed throughout the Medieval period. This is the context necessary to apply the lesson of Chesterton’s Fence.
Virtue and Scholarship
Some people think freedom means “doing whatever you want to do.” But consider this:
Freedom is one of the pillars of our philosophy. So let’s be clear about what that means: We live free when we live in harmony with the beautiful order of creation. When we violate that order, we lose our freedom.
In the classical tradition, freedom and virtue are closely linked. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato pointed out that when people lack virtue, they become slaves to their passions. That’s why we believe that the development of virtue is a critical element of a classical education.
- To speak English freely, you have to learn the rules of English grammar.
- To play the drums freely, you have to master rhythm.
- To live free of guilt, you have to master your desires.
Freedom is one of the pillars of our philosophy. So let’s be clear about what that means: We live free when we live in harmony with the beautiful order of creation. When we violate that order, we lose our freedom.
In the classical tradition, freedom and virtue are closely linked. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato pointed out that when people lack virtue, they become slaves to their passions. That’s why we believe that the development of virtue is a critical element of a classical education.
Liberty and America
Classical Historian is devoted to telling the story of liberty. This story is as old as the human race, but for most people in the past as well as today, liberty has remained out of reach. This is a great tragedy, for people cannot reach their full potential unless they are free.
The American Founding Fathers hoped to preserve liberty by limiting government. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that the purpose of government is to protect inalienable rights including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” In the Constitution, the Founders bound the government with laws that would uphold the rights of citizens. The American experience has been exceptional largely because the American government has been bound by law.
Many modern Americans do not know the history of their own country, so they cannot understand the significance of the founding of the United States. Many modern Americans classrooms don’t have a single civics textbook, so students have no chance to appreciate the history of liberty. Classical Historian is committed to changing that.
The American Founding Fathers hoped to preserve liberty by limiting government. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that the purpose of government is to protect inalienable rights including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” In the Constitution, the Founders bound the government with laws that would uphold the rights of citizens. The American experience has been exceptional largely because the American government has been bound by law.
Many modern Americans do not know the history of their own country, so they cannot understand the significance of the founding of the United States. Many modern Americans classrooms don’t have a single civics textbook, so students have no chance to appreciate the history of liberty. Classical Historian is committed to changing that.
Our Role as Socratic Teachers
At Classical Historian, we put our values into practice. Our history curriculum teaches students how to research and analyze sources to develop judgment that is rooted in evidence. Our method prioritizes Socratic questioning over fill-in-the-blank testing. And in our Online Academy, we strive to promote virtue during our live class discussions.
Socratic teachers can nurture virtue in a number of ways. It can be as simple as welcoming students and smiling at them each day when they walk into class, no matter how tired you might be. It may also take the form of modeling patience and humility when debates get heated. However, the Socratic discussion is perhaps the most important way that a Socratic teacher imparts virtue.
In a Socratic discussion, students are virtually guaranteed to encounter a variety of different perspectives. This can be frustrating at first. Sometimes, young people have not had a chance to encounter peers that have completely different ideas than they do. But with the guidance of a Socratic teacher, the student will learn how to respond to disagreement: through careful listening, respectful discourse, and a passion for finding the truth through dialogue.
Whether at school, online, or in the home, the Socratic Method helps teachers cultivate traits that serve as the foundation for true freedom.
Socratic teachers can nurture virtue in a number of ways. It can be as simple as welcoming students and smiling at them each day when they walk into class, no matter how tired you might be. It may also take the form of modeling patience and humility when debates get heated. However, the Socratic discussion is perhaps the most important way that a Socratic teacher imparts virtue.
In a Socratic discussion, students are virtually guaranteed to encounter a variety of different perspectives. This can be frustrating at first. Sometimes, young people have not had a chance to encounter peers that have completely different ideas than they do. But with the guidance of a Socratic teacher, the student will learn how to respond to disagreement: through careful listening, respectful discourse, and a passion for finding the truth through dialogue.
Whether at school, online, or in the home, the Socratic Method helps teachers cultivate traits that serve as the foundation for true freedom.
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