- Nov 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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And, in general, to observe with intelligence & faithfulness all the social relations under which he shall be placed.
Again, I find it important to note the emphasis placed by the founders on encouraging social intelligence as well as academic intelligence. The University was not meant solely as an institution of book-learnin', but also one of character development. Still, this sentiment is rather ironic in the face of UVA's history, but I prefer to look at it from the perspective of self-betterment. The social relations of the university are certainly included in "all the social situations under which [the student] shall be placed," so change can be made from the inside, especially with the advent of student self-governance.
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But the Commissioners are happy in considering the statute under which they are assembled as proof that the legislature is far from the abandonment of objects so interesting: they are sensible that the advantages of well directed education, moral, political & economical are truly above all estimate.
The selection of what to teach at a University is something I never really considered before now. Like anything else, there is sure to be a difference in opinion of the founders as to what fields of study are worth teaching. Fortunately, they seem to have struck a good balance. This relates to the idea of a "true liberal arts education," one which will produce not only scholars, but well-rounded individuals.
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- Oct 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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The best mode of government for youth in large collections, is certainly a desideratum not yet attained with us. It may well be questioned whether fear, after a certain age, is the motive to which we should have ordinary recourse. The human character is susceptible of other incitements to correct conduct, more worthy of employ, and of better effect. Pride of character, laudable ambition, & moral dispositions are innate correctives of the indiscretions of that lively age; and when strengthened by habitual appeal & exercise, have a happier effect on future character, than the degrading motive of fear; hardening them to disgrace, to corporal punishments, and servile humiliations, cannot be the best process for producing erect character.
It is very admirable of the commissioners to take this stance. To aspire to be more conscious of morality than the average citizen, who might be motivated not to break the law for fear of imprisonment or other legal repercussions, is truly at the heart of UVa's dogma. It would be ideal, albeit unrealistic, if everyone could be held to this standard, but to change the world you have to start somewhere, so why not here? This passage makes me proud of my school for encouraging its students to rise above mediocrity of the conscience and for attempting not only to provide a world class education, but to produce well-rounded individuals who are good people at heart.
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And where a sparse population would not, within such a compass, furnish subjects sufficient to maintain a school, a competent enlargement of [a] District must, of necessity, there be submitted to.
This line of the document stuck out to me because it doesn't really have much to do with the university itself. It was the founders' vision for students before they got to UVA. It just seems a bit out of place here, but I suppose since there were many prominent figures in the regulation of state education all in the same place, it was a good idea to talk about these kinds of things while they had the opportunity. They wanted to prep younger students for the onslaught of knowledge they would receive here, which was clearly an effective and popular idea, as evidenced by the fact that this is what we do today.
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- Sep 2017
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hypothes.is hypothes.is
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note
Is this a note?
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