The Lack of Systemic Logic Education in China and Its Implications
In China's educational system, there is a notable absence of systematic logic education. While foundational subjects like mathematics and physics can help individuals grasp the underlying logic between things, this understanding is not explicitly taught. Some individuals manage to extrapolate these logical relationships and apply them to real-life situations and interpersonal interactions, but the majority do not.
The Consequences of Limited Logic Education
This lack of emphasis on independent thinking can lead to a situation where individuals unquestioningly accept the pronouncements of authority figures. While this may be perceived as beneficial for maintaining control, it can hinder critical thinking and independent judgment.
Comparing the Chinese educational system to North Korea's extreme indoctrination, our elementary education may not be as extreme, but the potential for subtle forms of suppression of logical reasoning exists. Students who manage to develop independent thought and critical thinking despite this environment have achieved something remarkable.
The Growing Awareness and Need for Logic Education
Increasingly, Chinese parents are recognizing the importance of cultivating their children's logical thinking skills. They understand that nurturing this ability is crucial to preventing their children from becoming mere tools of those in power. Instances of illogical behavior, such as those displayed by some nationalistic youth, highlight the need for better logic education.
Current Options for Logic Education in China
If you're in China and want to cultivate your child's logical thinking skills, there are currently four main paths you can consider, each with its own challenges:
- International Schools Abroad: Sending your child to an international school abroad requires significant financial resources due to tuition fees and living expenses.
- International Schools in China: Domestic international schools like Keystone Academy or Dulwich College have high barriers to entry, including strict requirements for foreign citizenship or residency and substantial tuition fees. Furthermore, even within these institutions, the curriculum may still be subject to the influence of Chinese educational authorities, potentially limiting the development of independent thought.
- Self-Study: Parents can attempt to teach logic using books and materials. However, this approach may be less effective than formal schooling, especially considering the influence of the child's regular school environment.
- Private Tutoring: A plethora of private tutoring services claim to offer logic training for children. However, many of these programs are ineffective and even detrimental, often relying on rote memorization and irrelevant information.
The Challenges of Finding Quality Logic Education
The prevalence of ineffective logic training programs reflects a larger issue: the scarcity of genuine logic education in a society that often discourages critical thinking. Even those who develop logical thinking skills through exposure to the outside world may struggle to form a complete and coherent understanding due to the lack of a solid foundation.
Limited Options and Difficult Choices
Even well-educated and relatively affluent parents struggle to find quality logic education for their children. This underscores the difficulty of nurturing logical thinking within the existing system.
To develop logical thinking, parents must either amass enough wealth to send their children abroad or hope their children possess a natural aptitude for reading and critical thinking, while carefully monitoring their reading material.
An Alternative: Choosing Not to Have Children
Finally, an alternative strategy is available: choosing not to have children. Considering the challenges of raising a child in an environment that may hinder their intellectual development, this option can be seen as an act of kindness towards both oneself and potential future generations.