C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man is a concise yet powerful critique of modern education and its implications for humanity. Central to Lewis's argument is the concept of antithesis, a fundamental conflict between two opposing forces: the Tao and the modern subjective morality that he believes threatens to supplant it. Understanding this antithesis is key to grasping the book's enduring relevance.
The Tao: An Immutable Moral Order
Lewis doesn't define the Tao as a specific religion or ideology. Instead, he presents it as a broadly shared, intuitive understanding of morality and value found across cultures and throughout history. This "Tao," meaning "Way" in Chinese, represents a collection of universally held beliefs about right and wrong, good and bad, beautiful and ugly. These aren't arbitrary pronouncements but deeply ingrained sentiments reflected in literature, art, law, and everyday human experience.
Examples Lewis uses to illustrate the Tao include:
- The inherent value of human life: The near-universal condemnation of murder across diverse societies.
- The importance of humility: The recognition of human limitations and the need for reverence towards something greater than oneself.
- The pursuit of objective truth: The belief that there are real things to be known and that our knowledge should strive for accuracy.
- The concept of justice: The innate sense that wrongdoing should be punished and virtue rewarded.
Lewis argues that the Tao isn't a matter of opinion; it's a pre-existing order that humanity instinctively recognizes and responds to. It's the bedrock upon which all meaningful moral systems are built.
The Modern Assault on the Tao: Subjectivism and the "Conditioned"
The core of Lewis's concern lies in the rise of what he calls "the abolition of man." This isn't a literal annihilation of humankind but rather a dismantling of the objective moral framework embodied in the Tao. This assault stems from a particular educational approach that promotes subjectivism—the belief that morality is entirely a matter of personal opinion, culturally constructed, and ultimately arbitrary.
Lewis criticizes this approach by highlighting how it fundamentally alters the way students engage with literature and subsequently with life itself. By dissecting texts to find mere subjective opinions and emotional responses instead of their objective value and inherent wisdom, the educational system, as Lewis sees it, trains students to become “conditioned” – unable to access the inherent moral framework within themselves and the world around them. They are taught to manipulate language, discarding the intuitive understanding of right and wrong fostered by the Tao.
The Consequences of Rejecting the Tao
Lewis argues that rejecting the Tao leads to several devastating consequences:
- Moral Relativism: The belief that there are no objective moral truths, leading to moral chaos and a loss of shared values.
- The Dehumanization of Humanity: When objective moral truths are denied, humanity loses its inherent dignity and worth, becoming a mere object to be manipulated.
- The Loss of Meaning and Purpose: Without a framework of objective values, life becomes meaningless and purposeless.
- The Rise of Tyranny: The absence of shared moral values makes it easier for those in power to manipulate and control others.
The Enduring Relevance of Lewis's Antithesis
Lewis's analysis of the conflict between the Tao and modern subjectivism remains profoundly relevant today. The debates surrounding moral relativism, the nature of truth, and the role of education continue to shape our world. His work serves as a potent reminder of the importance of preserving and transmitting the shared moral intuitions that have guided humanity for millennia and preserving the inherent dignity of the human person. By understanding the antithesis presented in The Abolition of Man, we can better grapple with the ethical challenges of our time and strive to cultivate a more just and humane society.
