Examsmanship and liberal arts, a study in educational epistemology - Essay Example

Answer The main argument was that epistemology of knowledge is designed to empower the learner. The accrued knowledge should enable students to make decisions based on informed choices. He emphasized that mere knowing the facts is not enough but their judicious application is what it makes relevant and useful. He has compared students with cows and bulls and says that like cow, some students just use the acquired knowledge as facts. But as bulls, other students like to apply the facts on wider areas to explain its wider meaning and make knowledge more meaningful.

Answer 21. ‘After a long evening of reading blue books full of cow, the sudden meeting with a student who at least understands the problems of ones field provides a lift like a drought of refreshing wine, and a strong disposition toward trust.’ (548)2. ‘Students who have dared to understand mans real relation to his knowledge have shown themselves to be in a strong position to learn content rapidly and meaningfully, and to retain it.’ (549)3. ‘I suppose we must concede to ourselves in advance that a bright students understanding is understanding even if he achieved it by osmosis rather than by hard work in our course.’ (553)Answer 3 The article is hugely pertinent to the acquisition of knowledge by the students and the way it is applied in one’s life.

The author argues that knowledge or education must be able to empower students to make rational decisions based on informed choices as result of accrued knowledge over the period. The facts and information are critical elements of understanding the wider ramification of the same. Hence, their application must demonstrate that understanding and interpret its influence or impact to explain new ideas or existing paradigms.ReferencePerry, William C., Jr. ‘Examsmanship and the Liberal Arts: A Study in Educational Epistemology.

’ The Norton Reader. Ed. Peterson, Linda, Brereton, John, and Hartman, Joan. New York: W.W. Norton, 1996. 543-553.