The Latin word “trivium” means three roads. The trivium method focuses on a three-subject curriculum of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, which represented the lower division of the seven liberal arts taught in medieval universities. The method, which is very effective today, defines grammar, logic, and rhetoric differently than our modern definitions do. Allow us to explain further.
- Grammar: This means the fundamental rules of any science, art, or subject of study. In the trivium, it means obtaining basic information, facts, and knowledge (mechanics) when the student is in his or her elementary stage, up to approximately 12 years old.
- Logic: The literal meaning is the study of reasoning and reliable inferences. In modern English, we call this critical thinking, in which the student learns to look for truth in information, for instance, to discern untruth or manipulated fact, and to recognize how these manipulations take place.
- Rhetoric: One definition of this term is the study of the effective use of language. In the trivium context, this is the act of combining and integrating the mechanics and the thinking skills into one’s self, and then being able to communicate the synthesized fact to others. Presumably, once the student has mastered this process, s/he may be able to extend the knowledge base of a topic beyond mere synthesis. A modern scientist, for instance, may integrate the mechanical knowledge and critical analysis of his field of endeavor and then follow a new path of discovery beyond.
The trivium approach has had a resurgence across the United States in private schools wishing to teach in the classical manner. Therefore, there are many textbooks designed for classroom use.
