Thread: Education, Science, and Technology

My father's generation grew up with an interest in education, science, and technology; and not just buying it. I'm curious as to whether or not Americans think that our government should raise its standards and funding of these institutions, or should the government deregulate these institutions completely and allow the market to dictate the standards and funding of education, science, and technology.

Now, I don't know what I think about this. I'm a free-market capitalist, but I also believe that government can be a tool for good. What does everyone think? I hope this doesn't turn into a conservative vs. liberal debate, because I think there are many excellent ideas out there that have nothing to do with political ideology.

I see where you're going. I agree, if you mean to say that people in general are more about enjoying the fruits of technological advancement rather than taking the time to understand it. Do you think if we had more people doing that we would be even further along than we are today?

I'm a free-market capitalist, but I also believe that government can be a tool for good.

Absolutely. Especially in education. Freedom doesn't just happen; it depends on certain conditions which have to be there before you can get a free market. The very basis for a free-market society is that knowledge should be as widely available as possible, because it enables people to contribute to such a society.
It would therefore be extremely foolish to subject education to market forces, because what markets can't do is to guarantee conditions under which they themselves can work. The government has to do that.

Originally Posted by Radio Frequency

My father's generation grew up with an interest in education, science, and technology; and not just buying it. I'm curious as to whether or not Americans think that our government should raise its standards and funding of these institutions, or should the government deregulate these institutions completely and allow the market to dictate the standards and funding of education, science, and technology.

Now, I don't know what I think about this. I'm a free-market capitalist, but I also believe that government can be a tool for good. What does everyone think? I hope this doesn't turn into a conservative vs. liberal debate, because I think there are many excellent ideas out there that have nothing to do with political ideology.

I don't even know if your first statement is accurate, or just reminiscing through rose colored glasses. I know plenty of people who are interested in education, science and technology as passions within their life. Whether or not there are less people in society (as a percentage) who have these passions is unknown. I am unaware of any studies which show this to be true.

As far as funding: Tough call, I consider myself a free-market capitalist as well, however, as these are my own personal passions; technology, education and science. I could easily justify increased funding, although I would be a bit hypocritical for considering it.

How about this: I wish the private sector funded it more fully.

Radio Frequency
I'm curious as to whether or not Americans think that our government should raise its standards and funding of these institutions, or should the government deregulate these institutions completely and allow the market to dictate the standards and funding of education, science, and technology.

First of all, it depends on what institutions you are referring to. If you mean our primary education system, NO not only should we not pour more money into the system which has already seen a huge surge in per pupil spending in inflation adjusted terms over the last few decades without an even remotely proportional improvement in output, we need to spend less.

We DO need much more stringent standards for primary education though, and we could start with digging out some 50 year old textbooks for math, science, and English, and try again what worked so much better than what we do today.

I think we have room for both.

Originally Posted by Marcus1124

First of all, it depends on what institutions you are referring to. If you mean our primary education system, NO not only should we not pour more money into the system which has already seen a huge surge in per pupil spending in inflation adjusted terms over the last few decades without an even remotely proportional improvement in output, we need to spend less.

We DO need much more stringent standards for primary education though, and we could start with digging out some 50 year old textbooks for math, science, and English, and try again what worked so much better than what we do today.

Today's modern pupil is having to take in much more information at a younger age than ever before. Explotation of children is incredible for the 'pester factor'...

You can't spend too much on education in my opinion, it always repays, education should be geared for masses and should not be linked to your parents income but to your ability as a student. Education is the great key of hope and should be encouraged among lower classes...

All University Education should be free and placement on course should be on a supply and demand on educational ability.... This offers a more fair society and also encourages students to work as you'll be rewarded if you suceed... This is how it works in some of the best educational systems in the world...