School is there to brainwash people.

Definitions: Brainwashing [1]: or brain-washing, brain washing [breyn-wosh-ing, -waw-shing] noun 1.a method for systematically changing attitudes or altering beliefs, originated in totalitarian countries, especially through the use of torture, drugs, or psychological-stress techniques. 2.any method of controlled systematic indoctrination, especially one based on repetition or confusion: brainwashing by TV commercials. 3.an instance of subjecting or being subjected to such techniques: efforts to halt the brainwashing of captive audiences. Indoctrination [2]: [in-dok-truh-ney-shuh n] noun 1.the act of indoctrinating, or teaching or inculcating a doctrine, principle, or ideology, especially one with a specific point of view: religious indoctrination. Doctrine [3]: [dok-trin] 1.a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government: Catholic doctrines; the Monroe Doctrine. 2.something that is taught; teachings collectively: religious doctrine. 3.a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject: the doctrine of the Catholic Church. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My opponent did not answer my initial question, namely whom do they refer to as "they". I hope that I will receive a clarification on the next round concerning this matter. According to my opponent's train of thought, the innovative school system used mainly in Finland is the most successful. I agree. Never did I deny that some methods used in the average today's school are flawed or retrogressive. In fact, I made sure I mentioned that " I do not completely support the current educational system (at least the one I experience, in Greece), for it does have issues that need to be fixed" (see R1). Now, to get to the point, I would like to comment on my opponent's statement shown below: "The system we have in school now was created 300 years ago to prepare students for mindless working in factories.Thats why they tell you when you can eat to raise you hand if you want to speak up.World has changed to wanting not people who work in factories and people who are told what they have to do but to people who are creative and think outside of the box." My opponent claims that the education purpose is set up in order to brainwash children. Through the provided definitions in the beginning of this argument, one should be able to figure out that brainwashing happens only with an objective. To clarify any misunderstandings, I should point out that, by "objective", I refer to the belief, or the doctrine, into which the individual is being brainwashed. Therefore, the act of brainwashing requires an objective. The one my opponent proposed for this topic is the preparation of students to mindlessly work on factories and do what they are told. In order to confirm their initial claim, my opponent has to irrefutably prove this one. I, on the other hand, will have to prove the opposite. The burden of proof in this debate is henceforth shared. I will now elaborate on my thesis on the remarked claim. First of all, the educational system exists to provide the student with the knowledge necessary to their life in the society. When the individual finishes their education, they are required to seek for and seize the best job opportunities possible, the latter depending on their talents, liking or social and economic status preferences, ranging from sciences to politics and from literature study to sports, and with school being the stepping stone. One is usually unable to achieve their goal without proper education. Due to the progress of the human civilization and especially of the sciences, the information the student needs to learn is massive, making the process pressing if new and more successful systems such as Finland's are not used. It is worthy to point out, though, that the student is not obliged to go through the educational processes and is allowed to take them partially, if so they wish, depending on their plans for their future. If one contends that the whole society is built in a way that promotes competing for job opportunities and thus capitalistic economy they may go ahead. But the educational system is not to blame, as the only thing it does is to contribute to the individual's learning. If, though, one accuses schools for turning children into mindless workers, their claim is downright wrong. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sources: [1]. Dictionary.com, "brainwashing" http://www.dictionary.com... [2]. Dictionary.com, "indoctrination" http://www.dictionary.com... [3]. Dictionary.com, "doctrine" http://www.dictionary.com...