The Legacy of Ignorantism

A public address delivered in 1920, later published in 1921. This work is an insightful critique centered on the themes of education, morality, and superstition in Philippine society during the American colonial period. Pardo de Tavera discusses the impact of lay education as a form of enlightenment compared to the moral and intellectual shortcomings perpetuated by religious teachings prevalent in earlier educational systems. In his address, Pardo de Tavera argues that the so-called ''Ignorantism'' or legacy of ignorance comes from a long history of superstitious beliefs, encouraged by religious practices that fail to instill a sense of responsibility and logical thinking among the Filipino people. He critiques various elements of society that mischaracterize the influence of lay schools, asserting that the true drivers of immorality and ignorance are rooted in outdated perspectives propagated by religious authorities. Through a series of comparisons and examples, Pardo de Tavera advocates for the importance of modern education that fosters critical thinking and moral responsibility, ultimately aiming to liberate the Filipino mindset from centuries of imposed ignorance.