Retrieving the Quadrivium with Dr. Jeffrey Lehman and Dr. Andrew Seeley

Summary

In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela, Dr. Jeff Lehman, and Dr. Andrew Seeley explore the retrieval of the quadrivium and its significance in classical education, particularly in mathematics and science. They discuss their personal journeys in mathematics, the transformative power of the quadrivium, and the importance of integrating imagination and reason in learning. They emphasize the need for a community of educators to foster a deeper understanding of these subjects, and offer suggestions for teaching. The discussion also touches on the moral implications of education and the beauty inherent in mathematics and the arts.

Topics Covered:

• The creative retrieval of the Quadrivium
• The Quadrivium and the formation of the intellect and imagination
• The importance of fellowship among teachers
• Beauty and structure are integral to the arts and sciences.
• The Quadrivium and its contribution to moral formation

Today's Guests:

Jeffrey S. Lehman is co-founder and Dean of Fellows at the Boethius Institute and Professor of Philosophy and Theology and Director of the M.A. in Catholic Education program at the Augustine Institute’s Graduate School of Theology. He is the founder and President of the Arts of Liberty Project, a Founding Fellow of the Center for Thomas More Studies, and he has taught at Biola University, Thomas Aquinas College, Hillsdale College, and the University of Dallas. He is the author of numerous publications, including Socratic Conversation: Bringing the Dialogues of Plato and the Socratic Tradition into Today’s Classroom.

Andrew Seeley is co-founder and President of the Boethius Institute. He also serves as the Director of Advanced Formation for Educators at the Augustine Institute. Over his three decades as a Tutor at Thomas Aquinas College in California, Dr. Seeley taught every subject in its integrated Great Books curriculum. Dr. Seeley co-founded the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education in 2005, where he served as Executive Director for 12 years. He became Executive Director of the Arts of Liberty Project in 2021. He was named the 2023 recipient of the Circe Institute’s Paideia Prize.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Quadrivium and the Boethius Institute
03:21 The Creative Retrieval of the Quadrivium
07:16 The Importance of the Quadrivium in Classical Education
12:09 Transformative Experiences in Teaching the Quadrivium
16:27 Understanding the Four Arts of the Quadrivium
20:52 The Role of Imagination in the Quadrivium
23:23 The Interplay of Reason and Imagination
33:46 Mathematics and Moral Formation
39:18 Reimagining Mathematics Education
43:38 Favorite Resources 
48:11 Conclusion

University of Dallas Links:

• Classical Education Master’s Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-ed
• St. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/

Francis Su, Mathematics for Human Flourishing

Stratford Caldecott, Beauty for Truth's Sake

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