As you know, I have been stalled on progress towards my thesis, in large part because I did not structure my research question very well. After attending CB's research seminar last week, I have a revised question that may focus me better.
"What are the similarities between Plato being the mouthpiece of Socrates and Paul being the mouthpiece of Christ, and is one more significant to life in the 21st century?"
CB's feedback: "The "mouthpiece" concept is vague and implies that neither Plato nor Paul added anything to their masters' messages of originality or value."
I have shifted it from:
"What is the transmutation process for oral, charismatic teaching to become written, documentary teaching, and how do the cases of Plato and St. Paul reflect, and subvert, this dichotomy?"
to:
"What is the change process for oral, charismatic teaching to become written, documentary teaching, and how do the cases of Plato and St. Paul reflect (and/or overturn) this dichotomy?"
According to CB, there is a great literature on oral-to-written knowledge, including the processes of canon-formation. I also need to find Max Weber's paper, "The Routinization of Charisma." Both Plato and St. Paul contribute charismatic, intuitive ideas to the teachings of their masters, AND develop a formalized, static model.
I am headed to the library on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. I am fine with it, however. I must keep moving forward. Documenting my progress is why blogging is helpful. Things may continue to shift on my question, but I love the links it has to my idea of including teaching and Socrates' impact on the 21st century adult educator.
A one hour search last night online gave me thirteen sources at the Regenstein. Off to Hyde Park I go!
No comments:
Post a Comment