Ivan Illich
Ivan Illich was an Austrian philosopher, Roman Catholic priest, and critic of the institutions of modern Western culture. He was known for his critique of modernization and the corrupting impact of institutions, particularly in areas of education, medicine, and work. Illich's notable works include 'Deschooling Society' and 'Medical Nemesis', where he argued against the over-professionalization and institutionalization of education and healthcare.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Deschooling Society
"Deschooling Society" is a critical discourse on the traditional and institutionalized education system, advocating for radical changes to deconstruct current structures of schooling. The book argues that the formal schooling system, as it stands, is counterproductive to learning, fostering dependency and limiting personal growth. It proposes a model where learning is decentralized, personalized, and driven by the learner's interests and needs. The author suggests the use of technology and networks to facilitate learning communities, rather than relying on compulsory, standardized, and hierarchical models of education. This shift, according to the book, would empower individuals and create true educational freedom.
The 5948th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. In The Vineyard Of The Text
"In the Vineyard of the Text" is a reflective exploration of the evolution of reading practices, focusing particularly on the transition from oral to textual culture in the 12th century. The book examines how this shift influenced the perception and intellectual engagement of society with texts through the lens of Hugh of St. Victor, a medieval scholar. It delves into the transformation from listening to reading as a personal, silent activity, highlighting the profound changes this brought to learning and the organization of knowledge. The author argues that this evolution led to a more introspective and individualistic relationship with information, fundamentally altering the landscape of education and intellectual life.
The 9702nd Greatest Book of All Time
