Developing Classical Thinkers

How does science fit in with a classical education? Does a Classical education really downplay the sciences in favor of reading old, outdated, and unnecessary books?

In reality, a classical education teaches students how to think creatively, ask thoughtful, engaging questions, and formulate inquiries, all of which lie at the heart of the scientific method.

Listen to this episode and learn how science, taught classically, can help students appreciate the beauty, harmony, and wonder of the natural world.

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In this presentation at the Conference of Miletus, Matt Ogle explains what the transcendental idea of beauty. Beauty is, in short, the apprehension of truth by the senses and the recognition that the world is orderly and life is meaningful, realities to which classical teachers should direct their students' attention.

Matt Ogle is the Head of Classical Education at Thales Academy. He has taught both the humanities and the sciences and has served in a variety of leadership roles over his long career in education.

Matt delivered this conference presentation at the Conference of Miletus on July 11, 2022. The Conference of Miletus was a series of short, TED-talk-style lectures from members of the Thales Academy leadership team discussing what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful and the importance of these transcendental ideas to classical education.

The theme music is Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" performed by John Harrison and the Wichita State University Chamber Players.

In this presentation at the Conference of Miletus, Josh Herring examines the transcendental idea of the good, drawing from the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and Aquinas and integrating the idea of the good with the goal of the teacher to bring about the very best in their students.

Josh Herring is the Dean of Classical Education at Thales Academy and a humanities teacher. He is also the Director of the Thales debate program and coordinates debate tournaments for middle and high school students in the Raleigh area.

Josh delivered this conference presentation at the Conference of Miletus on July 11, 2022. The Conference of Miletus was a series of short, TED-talk-style lectures from members of the Thales Academy leadership team discussing what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful and the importance of these transcendental ideas to classical education.

The theme music is Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" performed by John Harrison and the Wichita State University Chamber Players.

In this presentation at the Conference of Miletus, Winston Brady examines the idea of truth, as far as what a world in which there is no truth would look like, how do we know what's true, and how do classical teachers teach what is true.

Winston Brady serves as the Director of Curriculum & Thales Press, an in-house publishing firm that produces textbooks, readings, and videos for Thales Academy and like-minded classical schools. He lives in Wake Forest with his wife and three boys.

Winston delivered this conference presentation at the Conference of Miletus on July 11, 2022. The Conference of Miletus was a series of short, TED-talk-style lectures from members of the Thales Academy leadership team discussing what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful and the importance of these transcendental ideas to classical education.

The theme music is Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" performed by John Harrison and the Wichita State University Chamber Players.

In this conference presentation, Bob Luddy explains the role of the transcendentals, the ideas of truth, goodness, and beauty, and how these ideas influence life in the family, the business world, and the classroom environment.

Bob Luddy is the founder of Thales Academy and the President of CaptiveAire Systems, a leading manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation equipment.

Bob Luddy delivered this conference presentation at the Conference of Miletus on July 11, 2022. The Conference of Miletus was a series of short, TED-talk-style lectures from members of the Thales Academy leadership team discussing what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful and the importance of these transcendental ideas to classical education.

Theme music is Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," performed by John Harrison and the Wichita State University Chamber Players.

How do more practical subject areas such as architecture and engineering fit within a Classical education? Does an education founded on what is true, good, and beautiful really help students develop the academic rigor and problem-solving skills needed for fields outside of the humanities?

Actually, Classical education is ideally suited to prepare students for careers in engineering, architecture, and other similar career paths.
Listen to this episode to learn how an education founded on the contemplation of beautiful things helps students make this world a more beautiful place.

Check out our Thales Press YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for more information and content like this.

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The lecture is a unique pedagogical tool for the classical teacher. A lecture is a well-developed, logical exposition of a subject of great importance that, when delivered with excitement and interspersed with the right kinds of questions, can be a powerful means of disseminating information to a wide audience. But what makes a good lecture? When is the lecture the most appropriate tool to use in the classical classroom? Should you use PowerPoint slides or lecture straight from a manuscript?

Host Josh Herring interviews Matt Ogle and Winston Brady about the use of lecture in the classroom and how a teacher can use this tool in an uplifting, rewarding, and age-appropriate way for students.

On our occasional series "Classically Educated," we are looking at the life and work of the Roman educator Quintilian (AD 35 - 100). Born in Spain with the full name Marcus Fabius Quintilianus, Quintilian is one of the few educators from the Roman world who wrote down anything concerning tips for running a classical classroom.

Quintilian's great work, the "Institutio Oratoria" or, in English, "On the Education of an Orator," includes tips that range from teaching phonics to small toddlers to delivering speeches before crowds of senators.

Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria" is available here from the Loeb Classical Library: https://www.loebclassics.com/view/quintilian-orators_education/2002/pb_LCL124.51.xml?rskey=VPkNHn&result=1

George Kennedy's "Quintilian: A Roman Educator and His Quest for the Perfect Orator," available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Quintilian-Roman-Educator-Perfect-Orator/dp/0989783618/ref=sr_1_1?crid=399HPPBVHXRCL&keywords=george+kennedy+quintilian&qid=1655472354&sprefix=george+kennedy+quintilian%2Caps%2C51&sr=8-1

In this episode, Winston Brady interviews Matt Denhart, President of the Coolidge Foundation, to talk about the legacy of Calvin Coolidge, the importance of America's founding principles, and some of the unique programs that the Coolidge Foundation puts on for students across the country.

Learn more about the Coolidge Foundation and its programs on its website here: https://coolidgefoundation.org/

We referenced an issue of the Coolidge Quarterly on the show on Calvin Coolidge and the Great Depression. Check out the issue here: https://coolidgefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TheCoolidgeQuarterly_Vol4_Issue1.pdf

Many people think that an education founded on books, ancient languages, and meaningful ideas cannot prepare students to make the latest and greatest technological developments. But in reality, classical education is uniquely suited to help students develop the rigor and curiosity needed to dream up new inventions and technology.

Listen to this episode to find out more!

Check out our Thales Press YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for more information and content like this.

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