For what is meant by saying that a government ought to…
“For what is meant by saying that a government ought to educate the people? Why should they be educated? What is the education for? Clearly, to fit the people for social life - to make them good citizens. And who is to say what are good citizens? The government: there is no other judge. And who is to say how these good citizens may be made? The government: there is no other judge. Hence the proposition is convertible into this - a government ought to mold children into good citizens, using its own discretion in settling what a good citizen is and how the child may be molded into one.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Education should shape citizens for societal participation, but defining “good” is subjective and government‑driven.
In simple terms: Education aims to fit people into society, but who decides the fit?
Key Takeaway
Question the authority defining citizenship.
Themes
education
citizenship
government
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public schools
- civic curricula
- policy debates
Key Concepts
socialization
state control
individual autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should define a good citizen?
- Can education be neutral?
A Different Perspective
The state may impose narrow definitions of citizenship.