In the third of four programs, Mortimer Adler discusses with Werner Dannhauser, Thomas Houlihan, Pamela Mayer, and Penelope Smith the educational theories presented in The Paideia Proposal, which he published in 1982. The Paideia Proposal argues for single-track, humanistic, general, and liberal primary and secondary schooling in America.
In the second segment [15:00], Adler and Smith are joined by Roy Harkin. They talk about the possible reactions of disinterested citizens as well as professional educators to The Paideia Proposal.
At the time of this interview, Adler was director of the Institute for Philosophical Research and chairman of the editorial board for Encyclopedia Britannica. Dannhauser, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1981-82), was professor of government at Cornell University. Harkin was dean of education at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Houlihan was principal of the Clayton (NC) high school. Mayer was superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro (NC) School System. Smith was named outstanding secondary teacher in North Carolina (1981-82).
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
