William C. Michael

The question of whether sending children to school is necessary for their socialization is a matter of significant concern for parents, educators, and society at large. In modern times, it is commonly assumed that schools are the primary environment in which children learn to interact with others, develop social skills, and become integrated into society. However, a review of history reveals that formal schooling for children is a relatively recent development, and that for most of human history, children were socialized within the context of family, community, and religious life. The importance of this question lies in its implications for … Continue

The question of whether cursive handwriting should retain its place in modern schools is a subject of ongoing debate among educators and parents. Cursive handwriting, once a foundational element of primary education, has seen its role diminish with the advent of digital technology and changing educational priorities. Historically, cursive was valued for its efficiency, elegance, and its role in personal correspondence and documentation. However, as the use of computers and digital communication has become ubiquitous, the practical necessity of cursive handwriting has been called into question. It is important to examine this issue carefully, as it concerns the aims of … Continue

These principles now begin with the ultimate telos of human life, clearly articulating how all other aspects of education contribute to this supreme end. 1. The Ultimate End of Man: Perfect Happiness (Beatitude) Education’s supreme and overarching goal is to lead man to his perfect happiness, or Beatitude (beatitudo), which is the complete and lasting fulfillment of the human person. This is man’s ultimate telos, for the sake of which all other actions and pursuits exist. This beatitude, while imperfectly glimpsed in this life, is ultimately found in the perfect and supernatural possession of God, who is the Supreme Truth … Continue

Source:  Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P., “Humility according to St. Thomas,” The Thomist 1 (April 1939): 3–21.  

The question of whether the ‘Great Books’ curriculum represents true classical Catholic education is of great importance in contemporary educational discourse. The ‘Great Books’ approach, which emerged in the early twentieth century, seeks to form students by reading and discussing a canon of influential works from Western civilization, often in seminar-style settings. Proponents argue that this curriculum provides a broad and deep engagement with the intellectual tradition of the West. However, the rise of the ‘Great Books’ movement has coincided with a decline in traditional classical Catholic education, which was historically rooted in the study of the liberal arts, the … Continue

The question of whether the Latin language should be studied by modern students is one that has been considered in various educational circles for centuries. Latin, once the lingua franca of the Roman Empire and the language of the Church, law, science, and literature throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era, has seen its role diminish with the rise of vernacular languages. Nevertheless, its influence persists in many aspects of Western civilization, including language, literature, philosophy, and theology. The study of Latin has historically been regarded as essential for a well-rounded education, particularly in the classical tradition. In … Continue

In the modern world, education is commonly associated with the public school system. This system, developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, was intended to provide a general education for all citizens, regardless of class, wealth, or ability. The aim was not to cultivate intellectual excellence or develop philosophical minds, but to ensure that all citizens would be able to read, write, and perform basic calculations, while learning to function productively in democratic society. From its beginning, the structure of public schooling placed limits on how much education could be offered, because it was built on the principle of … Continue

For young men and women discerning a vocation to the religious life, it is essential to understand the variety of religious orders within the Catholic Church. These communities are not all the same. Each one has a distinct spiritual focus, or “charism,” that defines its way of life, prayer, and apostolic work. In this article, we will introduce many of the major religious orders in the Church today, organized by their historical origin and mission. Each section includes the founder, the time of foundation, the charism, and a link to the order’s official website for further study. The Benedictines (Order … Continue