metaphor
One theory of learning is that we use prior experience and knowledge to model novel experiences and concepts,which are then refined over time. On an abstract level we see this in the atom. At one time we modeled the atom after plum pudding, then after the solar system. Over time the atom has far exceeded any previous model, and now rests as an independent and novel entity. When teaching the atom, we often wander trhough these previous models, not only out of historical curiousity, but becase we believe that the process of discover is very similiar to the process of learning. We cant just jump into the atom and explain the theoretical shapes of the s, p, and d shell as probibalistic location of an electron, and that certain locations have a zero probabiity. There would be no context. We start with a metaphor and then expand and refine.
The danger is, of course, that the metaphor can be taken literary. If the atom is like the solar system, then maybe there is gravitation effect in the atom, or maybe the solar ssytem is an atom and we are just part of a greater molecule that we call the universe. This is fun for philisophical debate, and can show issues with a model and drive the refinement, but it is not why we use metaphor. We use metaphor to bridge extisting knowledge to novel knowledge.
What made me think of this is the xkcd Christmas Comic which lead to some discussion which made some people upset. This is an issue of metaphor. Let me be clear, if one wants to take the bible literally and never wear clothes made of two materials and never remarry after divorce and tithe on pre deduction income, it is each persons right to so do. But few people do this, and at that point we are in the realm of metaphor.
As the metaphor Christmas and christian belief is powerful. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we celebrate the birth of every child, no matter when or where they are born, because any birth is a miricle. We feel for people who are suffering and do what we can, just as the manager was provided for Mary because there was no room at the inn. We raise our children as a community and hope that everyone will help provide for the child, just as the three wise men provided for Jesus, and the little drummer boy gave the most precious gift of all, mental confort for a new unwed mother.
The story provdies insight into how cvilized people car for the newborn child, just as the plum pudding provides insight into the atom. We think we are beyond such insights, that of course we take care of our children, but look at what happens wehen some people say it takes a village to raise a child, or that a post natal mother sometimes needsa bit of extra help. Others will talk about personal responsibility instead of talkiing about the little drummer boy.
At it’sbest Christmas is time to make sure that every child knows she or he is loved. To, over time, teach the responsibility of love to others, and not just a self-centered love. There is no point to argue who did what to whom, or if things actually happened, or if the metaphor is valid, or if one is offending because it is called a metaphor or myth.
Give what one can, teach the age and culturally appropriate message, and live the love. Instead of forcing the moneychangers in the sanctuary to say Merry Christmas instead of Merry Xmas, taach those that would go to the money changers so as to get a present that christmas is not something so much bought as given. The sameis true of teaching and learning.
