- From: <Publisher.GWTP@w3.org>
- Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 21:39:47 -0500 (EST)
- To: Educator@w3.org
Being a Better Educator Dear educator: Today, more than ever, we need innovative new solutions to educational problems. "Kevin Kirchman's book Aspirations is an answer to education questions such as 'How do we teach students to think for themselves, fulfill their potential, be creative, gain self esteem, and be ready for this productive world?' "His book is a must for all educators from pre-school through graduate school. I wish his book had been available during my 42 year teaching career." Norma Silver Retired teacher, Fort Lee, NJ Introducing, Aspirations: The Rational Foundations of Achievement. The reason it is possible to have an entirely new perspective on educational issues is because the theory behind education, called epistemology, or the theory of knowledge, has _not_ been an empirical science. Epistemology is to education what physics is to engineering-- but until the basis was discovered for _principles_ of understanding, there could be no science, and no applications that would radically transform educational practices. That is until now. "If knowledge of the humanities is subjective, that is, only valid for the person who holds it, of what value is education? "Knowledge is not subjective. There are some conceptual models that are better--more accurate and enlightening-- than others." Aspirations Aspirations will show you why, and teach you precisely how to tell the difference. "[Aspirations] lays out the foundations of clear, critical thinking, that can help us to better understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. In the final analysis, we are all decision makers. Don't make many more important decisions before you read and grasp Aspirations." Frank L. David Co-Principal, Business Learning Centers Murrieta, CA Perhaps the last earthly frontier, the mind, has been finally penetrated by this wonderful new book. Aspirations won't give you old ideas about the mind that you've seen before. It's radically new. Aspirations shows how, because of an old philosophical problem, educators are unwittingly discouraging idea forming habits that occur through the mental process of induction, or generalization. The book shows how these inductive concepts are the basis of all abilities and character. Deterring concept formation has the effects of hindering individuality, stifling general competency and causing people to be more dependent upon the ideas formed by others (being less able to form them themselves). The book presents a new solution to this dilemma which describes the mental events that occur during concept formation that can be practiced and made habit. Aspirations makes it clear that if you are less able to form concepts of your own, you necessarily have to borrow those formed by others. This discourages individuality, creativity, and self-reliance. It is also the basis for a host of psychological problems, from prejudice and intolerance to low self-esteem. Set within the context of human intellectual history, Aspirations stands out as a unique and controversial contribution to our understanding of ourselves. Fascinating reading. A journey deep into the corners of the mind and down the paths of civilization’s philosophical development. The author of Aspirations, Kevin Kirchman, a Cornell University educated Artificial Intelligence scientist, lecturer and businessman, has actually utilized his new understanding of innovation to develop original perspectives on * deduction, or what reasoning is * induction, the basis of all innovation and creativity * character formation and these new ideas genuinely will aid you not only in teaching better mental habits, but in improving your own. "[Aspirations] is a self-motivational book for intelligent people." Stan Irwin The Producer of the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson for 15 years Rarely in human history is a book produced which has as important implications. Rarely is a book offered which gives us such hope and inspiration. Aspirations will soon be promoted nationally by Rogers & Cowan, America’s largest public relations firm. Be the first to learn and apply these revolutionary new insights. Already hundreds of Universities have purchased the book, as well as educators and teachers at all grade levels. Table of Contents: 1 Introduction 2 The Problem -- Why Educational Philosophy is Psychologically Debilitating 3 Concepts -- The Key to Understanding the Mind 4 Descriptive Concepts -- The Foundation of Clear Thinking 5 Creating Ideas -- Concept Formation is Induction 6 Character -- The Conceptual Origins of Personal Qualities 7 Motivation -- A Theoretical Defense of the Principles of Achievement 8 Reasoning -- A New and Practical Overview 9 Goal Setting and Decision Making -- Giving Yourself a Purpose 10 Deduction -- The Connection Between Logic and Common Sense 11 Reasoning Well -- Applying the New Science of Logic 12 The Principles of Induction -- New Solutions to a Classical Challenge 13 Conceptual Modeling -- Coming Up with the Best Concepts 14 Teaching Induction -- Overcoming the Fear of Abstractions 15 Philosophical Clarifications -- Understanding the Breakthrough and Replacing Outdated Technology 16 The New Science of Logic -- Clearing the Way for a Revolution in Rationality 17 Historical Background and Philosophical Comparison -- Putting the Conceptual Model Theory Into Perspective If, after receiving "Aspirations", you are not completely satisfied, return it for a prompt and full refund. Only $18.95 plus $3.50 postage and handling (overseas an additional $2.00) For orders of 2 or more, p&h is free for the additional books. ORDER Aspirations NOW by calling USA International 1 310 289-2394 or faxing to 1 310 854-1840 any time with your credit card details. Or, Mail Check, Money Order, or Credit Card details to: Breakthrough Publishing, Inc. 291 S. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 107 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 USA YES! __ I would like ____ copies of Aspirations * $18.95 = __________ + $3.50 (overseas an additional $2.00) = __________ Name ________________________________________ Title __________________ Organization_________________________________ Mailing Addr ________________________________ _____________________________________________ City ___________________ State ______________ Post Code ____________ Country ___________________________ VISA ___ MasterCard ___ American Express ___ Discovery ___ (Sorry, BanCard not accepted) Card # __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Expiration Date __________ Signature _________________________________
Received on Sunday, 8 March 1998 21:39:59 UTC