ISLAMABAD: Our pre-eminent requirement in this day and age is the inculcation of rationality in our thought and outlook. Such a transformation in thought would necessitate integrity, truth and precision. It would not be wrong to say that our society lacks these values. Science and technology are predicated on rational thought. They have become vital in the present age. They are based on two major concepts and they involve quantification and measurement.
The first is the theory of probability. This measures likelihood and the degree of uncertainty in any occurrence. The second concept pertains to verification — not taking things for granted and not jumping to conclusions.
The characteristic predelictions of our society negate both of the above concepts. The traditional are towards poetry, flattery and exaggeration. There is an absence of open-mindedness and readiness to tolerate dissent. The concept of verification is the basis for scientific advance. It becomes necessary to check and recheck each conclusion. Logic considers correct and false deductions. A good education would foster this attitude even if it does not get into the intricacies of modern logic.
There is need for rational and critical thinking in our national life. Such an alteration in the thought processes of our people will also affect their values. It will generate a respect for truth. This respect for truth is the foundation for personal and intellectual integrity. It is also the bedrock of a sound educational system. Without it, no teacher or pupil can succeed.
Another aspect of our education is the degree of the abstract versus the concrete. At elementary levels, the concrete is more desirable. As the pupil reaches higher classes, the abstract level becomes more useful. It enables the learner to cover a wider range of situations and possibilities.
A further aspect of learning is the distinction between the ‘how’ and the ‘what’. Both are important and useful but ultimately the ‘what’ is more relevant than the ‘how’. What the reality is in a given situation and what the principles are of a given branch of knowledge is more important than the manner in which they are presented.
We need to adopt fresh approaches even though these would be hard and difficult. Powers of reasoning, analysis and comprehension need to be developed. The requirement of rational thought is linked to aesthetics and ethics. Such a unity of beauty, reason and morality was propounded by Plato. This was his enduring and immortal legacy for humanity.
A good education not only imparts academic learning but also sound values. We need to pursue the good as an aim in itself. In introspection of the past and consideration of the future, we must now begin to reflect on these issues. They are relevant to the uplift of our national character and would stand our young ones in good stead. We must bring about open-mindedness and tolerance in our thought and values.
Ambassador (retd) Amin Jan Naim
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2012.
