Humanist Philosophy in Teaching is a Lost Art

Teaching from a humanist position, as opposed to a meritocratic one, is important because it values and respects the inherent worth and dignity of each individual student. In a humanist approach to teaching, students are not seen as mere vessels for knowledge, or as means to an end, but as unique and valuable human beings with their own needs, interests, and potential.

In contrast, a meritocratic approach to teaching sees students as ranked and judged according to their abilities and achievements. In this approach, students are often graded, ranked, and sorted according to their performance on tests and other assessments, and their worth and value are determined by their ability to meet certain standards or benchmarks.

There are several reasons why teaching from a humanist position is important, and why it is preferable to a meritocratic approach.

First, a humanist approach to teaching recognizes and respects the individuality and diversity of students. In a humanist classroom, students are not expected to conform to a single mold or standard, but are encouraged to express their own unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas. This recognition and respect for diversity can foster a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, and can help to create a more equitable and just learning environment.