The rationale for the teaching of literature: soundings in Paul Hirst's epistemology.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Williams, Kevin, ; Williams, Patrick A
- Source
- Journal of Philosophy of Education; Feb2023, Vol. 57 Issue 1, p276-292, 17p
- Subject
- Hirst, Paul Heywood
Theory of knowledge
Pleasure
Grammar
Practical reason
Literature
- Language
- ISSN
- 03098249
Paul Hirst's reconceptualization of his epistemology provides a basis for this exploration of the various aspects of the rationale for teaching literature. The article reflects the close analysis of knowledge and the curriculum in his early work and develops insights in his later work. This leads to the identification of five strands that form the rationale for the role of literature within the curriculum. The first strand refers to the knowledge of context, cultural background, or information necessary to engage with many works of literature. The second strand concerns the role of literature in providing pleasure. The third strand considers the role of literature in offering multiple forms of understanding and insight. Strands four and five address the place of literature in the educational context. The fourth strand refers to the possibilities offered for education in language by the close study of literary texts. The fifth strand concerns the honing of the ability to propose and defend arguments in the interpretation of texts as a conduit to the development of one aspect of practical reason. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]