I think it basically stems from the idea of “conceptual learning”. Which has been a pedagogical ideology for quite some time now. And is also convenient if you’re a bit addicted to your phone, a bit lazy due to AI, and want to still feel good about “learning” things.

We’ve known that one important component for learning (not the only thing that matters, but an important one) is the memorization of facts.

There seems to be a big urge to pretend that’s not true. E.g. you can learn arithmetic without memorizing your multiplication tables, literature without engaging with the canon, and now apparently coding without even having coded.

The idea is if we start with a top-down conceptual approach we will eventually vibe our way into knowledge acquisition. Which does sort of work.

However, sorry to be a curmudgeon, but the people who just “do the work” and actually spend time on task to learn a bunch of stuff … are actually more knowledgeable on average.