More Precise Title:
“AI, the Printed Bible, the Bible in the Vernacular,
and the Origins of Modern Education”

Contents

1. The First Published Bible in the Vernacular. 1

2. How Did People Read the Bible Before it Was Printed?. 2

3. How did People Learn to Read and Write in Medieval Times?”. 4

4. Who Invented the Printing Press?. 5

5. What Is the Gutenberg Bible?. 6

6. What Is the Origin of the Modern School?. 7

7. Luther’s Contribution to the Creation of the Modern School 8

8. My Commentaries on the Exchange. 9

o O o

Continuing my interaction with the AI Robot that Microsoft is freely making available, I started my third round of conversation with it asking questions about the origin of the printed Bible, Johannes Gutenberg, the origins of the Bible in the Vernacular, Martin Luther, and the origins of modern education, and Martin Luther.

I will report the interaction as it happened, dividing it into chapters, and then, at the end, I will make some personal commentaries.

1. The First Published Bible in the Vernacular

I first asked the Microsoft Bing Personal Co-Pilot (as Microsoft labels it) the following:

“When was the first Bible published in the vernacular, the language the common people understood?“

Here is the answer:

“The first Bible published in the vernacular, the language the common people understood, depends on which language and region you are referring to. Distinct parts of the world had different vernacular languages and different histories of Bible translation. Here are some examples of the first Bibles published in some vernacular languages:

GERMAN: The first Bible printed in High German was published by Johann Mentel or Mentelin at Strasbourg in 1466 [1]. However, there were already many German manuscript Bibles in circulation before that, dating back to the eighth century [2]. The first complete printed Bible in the German vernacular appeared in 1529, five years before Martin Luther’s translation was published [3].

FRENCH: The first complete French Bible was translated by Jacques Lefèvre d’Étaples and published in 1530. It was based on the Latin Vulgate and the Hebrew and Greek texts [4].

ENGLISH: The first complete English Bible was translated by John Wyclif and his followers and published in 1383. It was also based on the Latin Vulgate. The first printed English Bible was translated by William Tyndale and published in 1526. It was based on the original Hebrew and Greek texts [3].

DUTCH: The first complete Dutch Bible was translated by Jacob van Liesvelt and published in 1526. It was based on Luther’s German translation. The first official Dutch translation was authorized by the Dutch States General in 1618 and published in 1637. It was based on the original Hebrew and Greek texts [4].

Learn more:

[1] cambridge.org

[2] catholic.com

[3] en.wikipedia.org

[4] expo.uoregon.edu

[5] en.wikipedia.org”

The Co-Pilot itself [himself? herself? themselves?] suggested the following line of inquiry:

“How did people read the Bible before it was printed?“

and answered it.

2. How Did People Read the Bible Before it Was Printed?

Here is the answer:

“Before the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, the Bible was not widely available to most people. The only way to duplicate a document or book was to copy it by hand, which was a very time-consuming and expensive process. Only a few copies of the Bible existed, mostly in Latin, and they were kept in churches or monasteries. Most people were illiterate and could not read the Bible even if they had access to it. They relied on oral traditions, sermons, art, and music to learn about the Bible stories and teachings [1].

Some people tried to translate the Bible into the vernacular languages of the common people, such as German, French, English and Dutch. However, these translations were often opposed by the Catholic Church, which claimed that only the Latin Vulgate was the authoritative version of the Scriptures. Some translators, such as John Wyclif and William Tyndale, were persecuted and even executed for their efforts [2].

The printing press changed everything. It made it possible to produce many copies of books quickly and cheaply. The first book printed with movable type was the Gutenberg Bible, completed in 1455. It was printed in Latin, but soon other languages followed. The printing press also sparked a demand for literacy and education among the masses. People wanted to read the Bible for themselves and interpret it according to their own understanding. This led to the rise of various Protestant movements that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and its traditions [2].

Learn more:

[1] biblica.com

[2] deseret.com

[3] bustedhalo.com

[4] catholic bridge.com

Get more relevant responses:

Who invented the printing press?

What is the Gutenberg Bible?

How did people learn to read and write in medieval times?”

I chose the last suggestion, “How did people learn to read and write in medieval times?“.

3. How did People Learn to Read and Write in Medieval Times?”

Here is the answer:

“People learned to read and write in medieval times in different ways, depending on their social status, gender, and location. Here are some general trends:

Most people who learned to read and write did so in Latin, the language of the church, the law, and the educated elite. Latin was taught in schools, monasteries, and universities, where young boys learned grammar, rhetoric, and logic. They also studied arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music [1].

Some people also learned to read and write in their vernacular languages, such as English, French, German, or Dutch. These languages were used for literature, commerce, and administration. Vernacular literacy was more common among women, merchants, artisans, and peasants than among clergy or nobility [2].

The methods of teaching reading and writing varied from place to place. Some common tools were styluses on wax tablets, quills and ink on parchment or paper, hornbooks (wooden boards with a sheet of paper covered by a thin layer of horn), primers (books with alphabets, prayers, and basic texts), and abacuses (calculating devices with beads on rods) [3].

The reasons for learning to read and write also varied from person to person. Some learned for religious purposes, such as reading the Bible or praying. Some learned for professional purposes, such as keeping accounts or writing contracts. Some learned for personal purposes, such as exchanging letters or expressing themselves creatively [2].

Learn more:

[1] thoughtco.com

[2] medievalists.net

[3] thoughtco.com

[4] britannica.com

[5] cracked.com”

I then chose to go back to the question “Who invented the printing press?“

4. Who Invented the Printing Press?

Here is the answer:

“The invention of the printing press is a complex and controversial topic. Different parts of the world had different methods of printing and different histories of innovation. The printing press is a device that allows the mass production of uniform printed matter, mostly text in the form of books, pamphlets, and newspapers [1].

The earliest known printed text originated in China during the first millennium A.D. It was a Buddhist book called The Diamond Sutra, created in 868 A.D. using a method known as block printing, which involved wooden blocks coated with ink and pressed to paper [1]. Block printing was also used in Japan and Korea as early as the eighth century [2].

In the 11th century, a Chinese peasant named Bi Sheng developed the world’s first movable type, which replaced panels of printing blocks with individual characters that could be reused. He made his type out of baked clay [2]. Later, in the 14th century, another Chinese printer named Wang Chen improved the movable type by making it out of wood and creating a revolving table for typesetting [2].

In Europe, the printing press did not appear until the 15th century, when a German goldsmith and inventor named Johannes Gutenberg developed a mechanized method of printing using metal movable type. He also invented a new type of ink and a wooden press that could produce multiple copies of a page quickly and efficiently [1]. His most famous work was the Gutenberg Bible, completed in 1455, which was the first book printed in Europe using movable type [1].

The printing press revolutionized society by enabling mass production and dissemination of knowledge, literature, and information. It also sparked a demand for literacy and education among the masses. It influenced the development of science, religion, politics, art, and culture in Europe and beyond [1]

Learn more:

[1] history.com

[2] livescience.com

[3] britannica.com”

I then chose to ask: “What is the Gutenberg Bible?“

5. What Is the Gutenberg Bible?

Here is the answer:

“The Gutenberg Bible is the first major book printed using mass-produced movable metal type in Europe. It was printed by Johannes Gutenberg, a German inventor and printer, in the 1450s in Mainz, Germany. It is an edition of the Latin Vulgate, the official version of the Bible used by the Catholic Church. The Gutenberg Bible is also known as the 42-line Bible or the Mazarin Bible, because some of the earliest copies were found in the library of Cardinal Mazarin, a French statesman [1].

The Gutenberg Bible is considered one of the most valuable and influential books in history, as it marked the beginning of the ‘Gutenberg Revolution’ and the age of printed books in the West. It also sparked a demand for literacy and education among the masses, and influenced the development of science, religion, politics, art, and culture1 [2]. The Gutenberg Bible is admired for its high aesthetic and artistic qualities, as well as its historical significance. It contains beautiful illustrations, decorations, and illuminations, some of which were added by hand after printing [1].

The original number of copies of the Gutenberg Bible is unknown, but it is estimated that around 160 to 180 copies were printed, of which about three quarters were on paper and one quarter on vellum (animal skin). Today, only 49 copies (or substantial portions of copies) have survived, and they are kept in various libraries and museums around the world1. Some of the most famous copies are in the U.S. Library of Congress, the French Bibliothèque Nationale, and the British Library [2]. You can also view some digital images of the Gutenberg Bible online at The Morgan Gutenberg Bible Online.

Learn more:

[1] en.wikipedia.org

[2] britannica.com

[3] themorgan.org”

I then asked: “What is the origin of the modern school, similar to the school of today?“

6. What Is the Origin of the Modern School?

Here is the reply:

“The origin of the modern school, similar to the school of today, can be traced back to the 19th century, when a system of public education was developed in Prussia (now Germany). This system, known as the Prussian System, was designed to create obedient soldiers and citizens who would follow the authority of the state and the church. It was based on compulsory attendance, standardized curriculum, age-based grading, teacher certification, and centralized administration1 [2].

The Prussian System was widely adopted by other countries in Europe and North America, especially after the Industrial Revolution, which created a demand for a literate and disciplined workforce. The system was also influenced by the ideas of educational reformers such as Horace Mann, who advocated for universal education, secularization, and moral instruction [3] [4].

The modern school system has evolved over time, incorporating new subjects, methods, and technologies. However, it still retains many features of the Prussian System, such as standardized testing, grading, and ranking.

Some critics argue that the modern school system is outdated and ineffective for the needs of the 21st century, and that it stifles creativity, curiosity, and individuality. They propose alternative models of education that are more learner-centered, flexible, and democratic [5].

Learn more:

[1] en.wikipedia.org

[2] karmacolonialism.org

[3] wonderopolis.org

[4] magnifymind.com

[5] afabrega.com

I then asked: “What was Martin Luther’s contribution to the creation of the modern school?“

7. Luther’s Contribution to the Creation of the Modern School

Here is the answer:

“Martin Luther was a German theologian and religious reformer who initiated the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. One of his contributions to the creation of the modern school was his advocacy of education for all children, including girls. He believed that education was necessary so that Christians could read and understand Scripture for themselves, and that it would strengthen the family and the community [1].

Luther also urged the city councils in Germany to establish and maintain public schools for both boys and girls. He wrote a pamphlet in 1524, titled “Advice to the City Councillors of All German Cities, That They Establish and Maintain Christian Schools”, in which he argued for compulsory education, standardized curriculum, teacher certification, and centralized administration [2] [3].

Luther’s views on education influenced the development of the first modern public schools in Germany. The German state of Gotha founded the first public school in 1524, followed by Thuringia in 1527. Later, Luther conceived the Saxony School Plan, which became the principal state education system for most of Germany’s Protestant states [4].

Luther’s educational reforms also had an impact on other countries in Europe and North America, especially after the Industrial Revolution, which created a demand for a literate and disciplined workforce. Luther’s ideas inspired other educational reformers, such as Horace Mann, who advocated for universal education, secularization, and moral instruction [5].

Learn more:

[1] news.arizona.edu

[2] britannica.com

[3] bing.com

[4] thecollector.com

[5] himama.com

[6] britannica.com

Get more relevant responses.

What is the Protestant Reformation?

Who was Horace Mann?

How did people learn to read and write before public schools existed?”

And then I decided to end the dialogue…

Here are some of my commentaries.

8. My Commentaries on the Exchange

In general I was quite satisfied with the exchange and I learned an important lesson, which I can express in the following principle: “Be careful about how your formulate your questions, because you get answers to what you asked – not to what you thought you were asking”.

I illustrate.

My first question was:

“When was the first Bible published in the vernacular, the language the common people understood?“

When I referred to “publishing” I thought I was asking about publishing through printing in a typography shop in the language the common people of the location where the printing was done could read it and understand it.

Well…

First shock: The answer provided by the Microsoft Co-Pilot showed that it [he, she] “understood” publishing to mean making texts available to the public, in the vernacular, by whatever means (through printing or other means).

Second shock: Publishing in this broad sense of “making texts public in the vernacular” happened at various times in different countries or locations.

Sure, but… I meant in any place whatsoever…

Third shock: Even though publishing could mean making texts available to the public, even by means other than printing, also printing happened in different forms, the printing by metal movable types of individual characters being only the form that became famous through the invention of Johannes Gutenberg of Mainz, Germany, in the middle of the fifteenth century… (1455 is the date conventionally accepted). Even Gutenberg’s specific model of printing through movable types had predecessors who did not reach the success that he managed to get.

Fourth shock: Even though I am tired of knowing that (a) the Bible that Guttenberg published in Mainz, Germany, was the Vulgata Latina, that (b) the Vulgata Latina was written in Latin, as the name clearly indicates, and that (c) the people of Germany in the fifteenth century did not speak Latin as their mother language, and that (d) Latin could not qualify as a vernacular language at that time, I thought that the answer to my original question, formulated hurriedly in shoddy language (as I now realize), would be 1455.

Because the answers of the Microsoft AI Co-Pilot made this clear to me, even though in a subtle form, not stating it as I stated it in the previous paragraphs, I consider the exchange a great learning experience for me.

I should underline another key point. When I first asked about the origins of modern education, the Microsoft Co-Pilot referred only to education in 19^th century Prussia. It was only when I asked about the role of Martin Luther in the origins of modern education, that the Co-Pilot made clear that what we understand as modern education originated with Luther in the sixteenth century and not with the State of Prussia in the nineteenth century. Nowhere did the Co-Pilot call the reader’s attention to the influence of Luther’s ideas on what happened in Prussia three centuries later.

But I always have a complaint. The Microsoft AI Co-Pilot embedded in the Microsoft Edge browser places references in the text (that I placed in square brackets), but, at the end, quotes more sources than the number of references it gives. So, the sources indicated in the “Learn more…” section do not seem to correspond one-to-one to the notes included in the text. Worst: The Co-Pilot indicates as a source of more information The Wikipedia (in English, of course), the Encyclopedia Britannica, etc. But exactly where in these huge depositories of information?

That is it, for now.

Salto, SP, BR, 30 September 2023.

Categories: Liberalism