Should we teach students to theorize? Classical Greek philosophy and the learning journey

Gaggiotti, Hugo; Simpson, Peter

Abstract

In this chapter we reflect on theorizing using Plato’s allegory of the Cave as a mythical representation of the journey to see the eidos, the Forms or Ideas, which Plato considered the most fundamental reality. The philosopher-as-theoros was not taught theories to apply but, by undertaking the philosophical journey, contemplated reality directly and then theorized the experience. We use this image as a metaphor for teaching Business School students to theorize – here we imagine the student-as-theoros.

Citation

Gaggiotti, H., & Simpson, P. (2015). Should we teach students to theorize? Classical Greek philosophy and the learning journey. In C. Mabey, & W. Mayrhofer (Eds.), Developing Leadership. Questions Business Schools Don’t Ask. London: Sage

• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2015
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Book Title: Developing Leadership. Questions Business Schools Don’t Ask
• ISBN: 9781446296110
• Keywords: theorize, theory, theoria, learning, Plato, business school
• Publisher URL: http://www.uk.sagepub.com/books/Book243242?classification=%22Academic%20Books%22&subject=600&sortBy=defaultPubDate%20desc&fs=1#tabview=toc