Homework reading: trivium & quadrivium

It's surprising that the Roman numeral system was so deeply ingrained in medieval European education, even though it was cumbersome for mathematical calculations. Students and scholars continued to use Roman numerals, making arithmetic and advanced mathematical work more challenging and time-consuming. This persistence, in the face of more efficient systems, reflects the resistance to change and the preservation of tradition in educational approaches.

The fact that the calculation of the date of Easter played such a central role in medieval arithmetic education is unexpected. The liturgical calendar heavily influenced the curriculum, demonstrating the profound integration of religion and education during that era. This ecclesiastical influence highlights the extent to which religious considerations shaped the content and structure of medieval European education.

The declining emphasis on the quadrivium, which included arithmetic, as the universities grew is surprising. The shift towards dialectic and theology, and the resultant devaluation of scientific subjects within the curriculum, illustrates how the educational approach in medieval Europe evolved over time. This change in emphasis underscores the dynamic nature of educational priorities and the impact of societal shifts on the content of education.

Comments

  1. stephalafDecember 10, 2023 at 4:58 PM

    Hi Shawn, I like your reflection on the resistance to new systems. Your last point is profound and it gets me reflecting on how educational systems can be a mirror to that which is valued in society even in our contemporary world.

    ReplyDelete

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