The document discusses classic and contemporary views of learning. It describes four cases of different types of learning that friends have asked for advice on. It then discusses the variety of learning theories that exist with deep roots, noting that no single approach has all the answers. Some example approaches discussed include Plato's view of learning as recollection, Skinner's behaviorism which sees learning as the environment acting on the learner, and Piaget's constructivism which views learning as an adaptive function. The document also contrasts Plato and Locke's views of learning, noting they shared some assumptions but differed in other ways. It provides an overview of behaviorism and operant and classical conditioning, discussing applications in education and potential limits and ethical issues