The Case for Classical Education Today

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On 24 April 2025, Dr Mariam Attia, Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice at The Classical Institute, delivered a presentation titled The Case for Classical Education Today at the international conference Modern Quality Education is the Foundation of Development, hosted by Asia International University in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.

In her presentation, Dr Attia reflected on the use of the term modern in the conference title, emphasising that while research-informed pedagogies are essential, it is equally important to draw upon the deeper principles embedded in one's own educational heritage. This message is especially timely for Uzbekistan, a nation currently shaping a distinct educational identity following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Dr Attia encouraged educators and policymakers in Uzbekistan to approach Western educational approaches with discernment. Citing scholarship from the field of higher education (e.g., Ball, 2012, Danvers, 2019, Edwards, 2022 and Giroux, 2002), she highlighted the spread of Western systems shaped by neoliberal paradigms, systems increasingly challenged by issues such as excessive accountability demands, intensified academic workloads, relentless competition, rapid internationalisation, and widespread commercialisation. These factors, she noted, have contributed to the erosion of the moral and the social in educational contexts.

Against this backdrop, Dr Attia emphasised the rich intellectual and educational traditions of Central Asia, particularly in classical cities such as Bukhara where the conference was held, as invaluable sources of wisdom and inspiration. She advocated for a revitalisation of this legacy, promoting a balanced and contextually grounded approach to educational development in Uzbekistan and beyond.

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