RE: [Mid] SCA as educational organization

Rosalyn replied to Finnvarr's note:

>And, that idea is precisely what I'm trying to battle in this discussion. I
>see so much knowledge going to waste because folks are not able or willing to
>share any of it. So, everyone gets to invent the wheel on their own. Each
>person educating solely themselves.

Rosalyn, one of the things that I enjoy about the SCA is that I have
become inspired to "invent the wheel on my own". I have learned
techniques of research that I never learned in college, because the
things that I'm looking for aren't readily available (I was an
engineering student). I have been attempting to share what I've
discovered with others, but not until I feel that it's in a form that's
appropriate for sharing. I also attempt to share my methods, so that
they can do their own research as well.

--
Another facet of this discussion is a possible underlying assumption
that the techniques and knowledge that we have picked up are correct.
As an example, people in the SCA research "fief" and "vassal"
relationships and classify them all under the term "feudal".  General,
all-encompassing use of this term has come under close scrutiny in the
academic community; the classification is not as descriptive of actual
relationships in the Middle Ages as was once thought, and its use may
obscure the real relationships.
We get into discussions/debates on a regular basis about whether
something is or is not period, with people coming down _hard_ on both
sides of the fence.  Subjects include the nature of "chivalry", fabric
colors, sumptuary laws, treatment of children, and many others.
We also teach, through our internal structures, things that,
historically, are outright _wrong_.  Examples are left as an exercise
for the reader. ;-)
I am in favor of expanding our publications so that more articles are
historically based.  I'm in favor of expanding other techniques of
sharing are knowledge.  I'm also concerned that the effort may not
produce what we're looking for.
Lyle FitzWilliam
Bergental, East
From:  "Gray, Lyle" <Lyle@Quodata.Com>
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