ABSTRACT
The argument for uses of schooling other than the replicative and applicative ones rests on such evidence as the case studies and observations described in the previous chapter. Theoretically, it poses a challenge to the positivist thesis that all knowing is restricted to propositions that can be verified by observation. Thus "John learned algebra in high school" is true if, and only if, John can solve typical algebraic problems by the methods practised in school. Success on the test would be convincing evidence that John could (a) replicate his learnings and (b) apply them to problems that had not been practised but were of the same type as those on the test. Whether the test permits the inference that John would also be able to use algebraic formulae for solving problems of mensuration in life situations is not so certain, because application of principles requires familiarity with a class of existential situations that only the professional is expected to achieve.
