Begley cites among other things, the prevalence of observational studies that make the premature leap between correlation and causation. For example, studies have shown that moderate drinkers have less heart disease than those who don't drink at all, but many have used these studies to justify the claim that moderate drinking itself causes a reduced risk of heart disease.
The article deals with a fundamental philosophical question: Is it more important to teach subject matter, or the intellectual skills necessary to understand, interpret and appreciate subject matter? According to Begley, the latter would not only keep students more engaged, but ultimately yield better-educated graduates.
Leave a comment