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Re: [Phys-L] Economist Kern Alexander Explains the Problem with School Choice



Fine--my assumption in a 'benevolent' society is that what is good for that society will most likely be good for the individual...at least in the long run. My main point is that I have as much say in public education as do current parents. Making the individual supreme (as I think has been suggested) seems to me to lead to anarchy--not democracy nor a viable society. We have seen the society and its government actually work at times--examples would be the results of legal challenges to the teaching of evolution and bans on religious teaching in public schools. However, we should always be aware that the society as a whole can change the rules--some states have tried. Constitutional changes _could_ establish a state religion or could ban certain ideas from being freely expressed or taught. The ability to change and adapt the governing of our societies offers both promise and danger for the future.

rwt

Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, Indiana

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From: "John Denker" <jsd@av8n.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 10:53 PM
To: <Phys-L@Phys-L.org>
Subject: Re: [Phys-L] Economist Kern Alexander Explains the Problem with School Choice

On 02/03/2013 10:51 AM, Richard Tarara wrote:

An old refrain from me, but the goals and procedures of public
education need always be viewed through the lenses of the 'public
good'. This is why public education exists--to serve the
society...NOT THE INDIVIDUAL.

That's a good point. I might have stated it slightly more mildly:

This is why public education exists -- primarily to serve the
society...NOT just THE INDIVIDUAL.

That is to say, the effect on the individual is non-negligible.
Call it a secondary effect if you want, but it should not be
completely neglected.

It is why we all PAY for this education.

Agreed. Not only do we pay for it, we make primary and secondary
education mostly /compulsory/.