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Thomson, Godfrey Hilton, Sir, 1881-1955 (psychologist and Bell Professor of Education, University of Edinburgh)

 Person

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Education for the Base of the Pyramid, 20 Jan 1931

 File
Identifier: Coll-1310/3/1/2/19
Scope and Contents

The notes are brief, largely containing bullet points for Thomson to discuss. These include a definition of the pyramid and its relation to society; notes regarding the four new classes as identified by Wells; the differential birth rate; the Danish Folkhighschools; and social equality.

Dates: 20 Jan 1931

The Aim of Education: - Happiness and Truth, 7 Mar 1942

 File
Identifier: Coll-1310/3/1/2/25
Scope and Contents In the lecture, Thomson outlines his utilitarian educational creed, which involves the greatest happiness of the greatest number. He makes a moral and ethical case for this, and contrasts and balances it with the concept of truth, as well as the needs of the individual, particularly the cultivation and encouragement of genius and talent. Thomson relates this creed back to educational systems and problems, summarising the sometimes conflicting demands each...
Dates: 7 Mar 1942

The Function of Education in the Biological Record, 16 Feb 1930

 File
Identifier: Coll-1310/3/1/2/15
Scope and Contents Thomson parallels and compares competition in the natural world, where the weakest are eliminated and education through play prepares the individual for their environment, with that in the human world, where co-operation protects the unfit and education contributes to a differential birth rate.He discusses possible reasons for the connection between intelligence, education, and family size, exploring whether this phenomenon is due to genetics, environment, or both. He refers to...
Dates: 16 Feb 1930

The Function of Education in the Biological Record, 16 Feb 1930

 File
Identifier: Coll-1310/3/1/3/2
Scope and Contents

This lecture is a duplicate of Coll-1310/3/1/2/15, with the addition of a leaflet from the RPA stating their aims, rules, constitution, and objectives, a membership form, and a letter to Thomson from the Rationalist Press Association reminding Thomson of his engagement to lecture.

Dates: 16 Feb 1930

The Means to the End: Equal Opportunity and Hard Work, 7 March 1942

 File
Identifier: Coll-1310/3/1/2/26
Scope and Contents

The lecture is almost identical in content to The Need for Vocational Education, with the exception that Thomson expands more upon the role of play in education.

Dates: 7 March 1942

The need for Vocational Education, c 1942

 File
Identifier: Coll-1310/3/1/2/24
Scope and Contents Thomson stresses the need for more investment and energy to be put into vocational education, looking to America as an example.He emphasises the imbalance of educational investment between the average student versus the above average or the mentally impaired student, arguing that all 3 should receive the same investment, though the methods and curriculum may be different. He proposes the creation of secondary schools equipped for vocational training and apprenticeship, staffed by...
Dates: c 1942

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  • Subject: Equalityyy X

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Subject
Education 4
Glasgow Lanarkshire Scotland 2
Human Evolution 2
Newcastle Upon Tyne (England) 2
Vocational education 2