Bildung and Paideia: Philosophical Models of Education

Bildung and Paideia explores the role of the humanities in education, challenging the reduction of educational outcomes to measurable competencies and economically exploitable skills. The book argues that the study of 'the human experience' has something specific to offer in education, and examines the specific role of philosophy and the humanities in education from ancient times to the present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Bildung and Paideia delve into the examination of traditional humanistic ideals, shedding light on the philosophical reflection on the essential need for education that encompasses the entirety of the human being. Traditionally, the humanities have held the responsibility of exploring the essence of what it means to be human. However, in recent times, there has been a growing tendency for the humanities to be subordinated to technological, economic, and utilitarian aims. This shift raises the question: Do the humanities still possess a fundamentally distinct role to fulfill in education?

Contemporary education often reduces educational outcomes to measurable competencies and economically exploitable skills, which contrasts with the traditional ideals of Greek paideia and the German Romantic concept of Bildung. These ideals emphasized the formation of the whole human being, encompassing intellectual, emotional, and social development.

The present volume takes as its point of departure the conviction that the study of "the human experience," whether through philosophy, literature, religion, art, music, history, or languages, has something unique to offer in the realm of education today. Within the pages of this volume, individual contributions explore the specific role of philosophy and the humanities in education, spanning from ancient times to the present. They also delve into the possibilities for conceiving philosophical models of education that can guide educational practices and policies.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal Educational Philosophy and Theory. This publication allows for a broader audience to engage with the insights and perspectives presented, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of the humanities in education and their potential to shape the future of learning.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367695972