Delbanco Whole Person Analysis

This philosophical study will a argue in favor of the “whole person”” theory of higher education in Delbanco’s and Socrates argument on the importance of self-examination in the modern collegiate education. Delbanco argues that the idea of the “whole person” arises from gaining experience in higher education, which is defined through a standard liberal arts education. Currently, the extremely high cost of education has made it very difficult for many Americans to get a liberal education, which often makes college appear to counterintuitive in terms of a professional career:
One of the difficulties in making the case for liberal education against the rising tide of skepticism is that it is almost impossible to persuade doubters who have not experienced it for …show more content…
Certainly, Delbanco agrees with Socrates view of philosophy as a form of the liberal arts, since it the liberal arts education provided a wide variety of literature, philosophical viewpoints, and other cultural; options for the student to evaluate and critically analyze in higher education. Socrates defines the significance of critical thinking, logic, and reasoning as a basis for creating a “whole person” that make his or her own decisions related to self-identity through philosophical analysis. Socrates is arguing in favor of the process of philosophical examination, so that the individual can make informed decision about the beliefs and values that they want to practice in life. Without a framework for critical thought, the student cannot know the different options and pathways they can choose. Socrates provides an important example of how philosophy can break down ethical beliefs, morals, and questions about theology as a way to expand the mind of the individual in the context of liberal arts