The Cave Escape

This week we're back with part two of our study of philosophy: moral philosophy. Last week we talked science, this week we talk psychology. How has our modern understanding been shaped by understandings from the past? How have we strayed from the path, and why should we care if we have? All of these questions will be addressed in this week's episode!

This week we begin our discussion of philosophy by looking at natural philosophy. Amid the barking neighborhood dogs and Caleb's roommates dropping dishes in the background, we learn how modern science developed from the ancient understanding of natural philosophy and how we have strayed from the ancient understanding of the order of the cosmos. What does it mean to know something? What is wisdom? How long should Ethan microwave his dinner? These are all questions worth considering, and today we seek answers!

This week we take a second look at the Quadrivium. We discuss the gnosticism of the ancient greeks and how christians ought to respond to those ideas. We also examine how the purpose of these last four arts is to study the physical world to lead us to a better understanding of our creator God.

This week we revisit the Trivium in our reading of The Liberal Arts Tradition by Kevin Clark and Ravi Scott Jain. These authors provide us with a different view of the Trivium from that of Dorothy Sayers, and we examine the almost seamless interconnection of the first three arts from their perspective. We discuss the importance of language to us as humans and imitators of God, and how we are to use these words to his glory.

This week we attempt to gain an understanding of Piety and how we may better attain it. We also take a look into the classical understanding of Gymnastics and Music as laying the groundwork for higher education by shaping both the body and the soul. These three studies aid us toward a deeper study of reality and ultimately God himself, which is the true end of a christian education.

This week we are joined again by Greg Wilbur, the president of New College Franklin, to discuss the broader application of the liberal arts education. Between Ashton's stammering questions and Caleb's deathlike silence, Mr. Wilbur offers insights into the purpose and beauty of the liberal arts. We also discuss potential benefits to a recovery of the liberal arts and what steps need to be taken to further our endeavors.