Mark Bauerlein, American literary scholar and contributing editor at First Things, and Thibaud Gibelin, political scientist and public intellectual, engaged in a discussion titled “The Role of Classical Education in the Digital Age” at Szekszárd edition of the MCC Budapest Summit. The conversation explored the impact of digitalization on childhood, learning, and human relationships. At the heart of the discourse was the importance of classical education—particularly its preserving and formative role in today’s technology-driven world.
In his lecture, Mark Bauerlein emphasized that studying classical literature, history, and philosophy is essential for intellectual development. He argued that without knowledge of the great works of Western civilization—such as those of Homer, Plato, or Shakespeare—young generations risk losing their connection to cultural roots. In his view, classical education serves not only to transmit knowledge but also plays a vital role in character formation. It fosters moral judgment, critical thinking, and discipline in students—qualities that are especially important in today’s fast-paced, information-saturated world.
Bauerlein, in his earlier book The Dumbest Generation (2008), also discusses how the internet and social media have negatively affected young people’s attention spans and learning habits. According to him, these platforms divert attention from deep, reflective reading and the acquisition of genuine knowledge. In this context, classical education can offer a counterbalance: meaningful reading and traditional modes of thinking can help young people maintain their intellectual compass.
Concluding the conversation, Bauerlein highlighted that education through the great works of Western civilization is not an outdated method, but rather a necessary response to the challenges of the digital age. In his view, this path ensures that future generations are not only informed but truly educated—morally mature and capable of thoughtful reflection.
