The Lost Tools of Learning
“The Lost Tools of Learning” by Dorothy Sayers argues that modern education has lost crucial “tools” for critical thinking by abandoning the medieval Trivium, a system of learning based on Grammar, Dialectic (Logic), and Rhetoric, taught in that order, which effectively teaches students how to learn and analyze information rather than just accumulating facts; she advocates for a return to this method to empower students to think critically and engage with complex ideas.
Key points about “The Lost Tools of Learning”:
The Trivium:
The central concept is the Trivium, which Sayers believes are the essential “tools” of learning: Grammar (understanding language), Dialectic (logical reasoning), and Rhetoric (effective communication).
Critique of Modern Education:
Sayers criticizes contemporary education for focusing on accumulating information across various subjects without teaching students how to properly analyze and evaluate that information.
Learning to Learn:
She emphasizes that the primary goal of education should be to teach students “how to learn” rather than simply providing them with facts.
Importance of Order:
The sequence of studying Grammar, then Dialectic, and finally Rhetoric is crucial for developing a solid foundation for critical thinking.