Prof. Iain Benson: Ideology in Education

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I'm excited to share this frank, thought‑provoking lecture from Iain Benson on 'Ideology in Education'. Benson — a seasoned law academic who has taught at universities here and overseas — lays out a sharp diagnosis: despite massive spending on education, many students are becoming less literate and less able to reason. He warns about the rise of emotivism, where feelings trump argument, and the corrosive effects of political correctness and the monetisation of education. Benson explains his classroom ground rules at Notre Dame — a 'safe zone' for honest debate, but only where students respect each other and advance reasoned arguments rather than appeals to emotion. He also reflects on how teachers must protect open inquiry when handling controversial topics such as abortion, euthanasia, transgenderism and sex. Honest, blunt and inquisitive, this talk challenges educators, parents and students to rethink what education should be: a place for reasoned debate, clarity of terms and genuine learning. If you care about the future of schools and universities, Benson’s lecture will spark important questions and conversations.

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Hi folks — posting a standout lecture from Iain Benson: 'Ideology in Education'. Benson, an experienced law academic who has taught at universities here and overseas, delivers a candid, no‑nonsense take on how ideology has reshaped our classrooms and campuses. He argues that while governments pour money into education, outcomes on basic literacy and critical thinking are worrying. Much of this stems from a cultural shift he calls emotivism — feelings‑based responses replacing careful argument — paired with political correctness and the monetisation and control of institutions.

In the talk Benson explains the practical rules he sets in his own classroom at Notre Dame: students are free to speak but must show respect and present reasoned arguments, not mere appeals to feeling. This approach protects both open inquiry and the teacher, especially when dealing with hot topics like abortion, euthanasia, transgenderism and sex. He also shares his recent dive into the meaning of 'ideology' and how related terms — secularism, values, pluralism, subsidiarity and more — change depending on who uses them.

This lecture is blunt, reflective and aimed at educators, parents and anyone who cares about the future of higher education. It raises urgent questions about academic freedom, the purpose of schooling and how we teach students to think rather than simply feel. Watch, share and join the discussion — what rules would you set for honest debate in the classroom? If you value lectures like this, subscribe for more talks from academics and thinkers across Australia and beyond. Leave a comment with your thoughts and share with educators you know.

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