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Difficulty: MediumBlack Education, HBCUs, and Philosophical Debates

Read the following excerpt from W.E.B. Du Bois's 1903 essay 'The Talented Tenth':

'If we make money the object of man-training, we shall develop money-makers but not necessarily men; if we make technical skill the object of education, we may possess artisans but not, in nature, men. Men we must have before we can have organizations of any kind; and "character" at which the whole world aims, is the product of the query of the ages: what is the meaning of life, and how may its ends be attained?'

Based on the excerpt, which of the following statements best describes W.E.B. Du Bois's critique of the prevailing educational models advocated by Booker T. Washington?

  1. He argued that a singular focus on vocational training and material wealth would fail to cultivate the critical thinking, leadership, and moral character necessary for true social equality.Answer
  2. B
    He rejected all forms of industrial and agricultural education, asserting that only a classical liberal arts curriculum was suitable for the African American community.
  3. C
    He agreed that economic accumulation should precede civil rights but contested that higher education should be funded entirely through private philanthropy rather than public taxes.
  4. D
    He argued that classical education should be reserved exclusively for elite white Americans, while African Americans should rely solely on church-centered character building.

Answer

W.E.B. Du Bois argued that a singular focus on vocational training and material wealth would fail to cultivate the critical thinking, leadership, and moral character necessary for true social equality.
The correct answer accurately captures Du Bois's argument that technical and industrial training alone are insufficient for racial advancement because they fail to foster the critical consciousness and leadership capacities developed through liberal education.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the excerpt for Du Bois's core argument regarding the goals of education.
Identify that Du Bois distinguishes between 'man-training' (developing complete human beings with character and intellect) and training purely for 'money-making' or 'technical skill'.
This establishes the foundation of his educational philosophy in contrast to purely vocational models.
2
Contrast Du Bois's stance with Booker T. Washington's focus on industrial and agricultural education.
Du Bois argues that prioritizing technical training without liberal arts ignores the creation of leaders and critical thinkers who can organize and advance the community.
This directly addresses the critique of Washington's accommodationist and vocation-heavy approach.
3
Evaluate the options to find the one that accurately captures Du Bois's critique without oversimplifying his position.
The statement emphasizing that a singular focus on vocational training neglects character and leadership matches Du Bois's argument, while avoiding the misconception that he opposed vocational training altogether.
This identifies the correct answer and clarifies the incorrect options.

Key Concept

The philosophical debate between W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington regarding the purpose of education (industrial training vs. classical liberal arts) and its role in racial uplift and social equality.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Black Education, HBCUs, and Philosophical Debates

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