Classical Humanism and the Challenge of Modernity

Debates on Classical Education in 19th-century Germany
1. Auflage 2015
ISBN: 978-3-11-036543-6
Verlag: De Gruyter

Buch, Englisch, 234 Seiten, Format (B × H): 175 mm x 246 mm, Gewicht: 606 g

Reihe: ISSN

In scholarship, classical (Renaissance) humanism is usually strictly distinguished from 'neo-humanism', which, especially in Germany, flourished at the beginning of the 19 century. While most classical humanists focused on the practical imitation of Latin stylistic models, 'neohumanism' is commonly believed to have been mainly inspired by typically modern values, such as authenticity and historicity.
Bas van Bommel shows that whereas 'neohumanism' was mainly adhered to at the German universities, at the a much more traditional educational ideal prevailed, which is best described as 'classical humanism.' This ideal involved the prioritisation of the Romans above the Greeks, as well as the belief that imitation of Roman and Greek models brings about man's aesthetic and moral elevation.
Van Bommel makes clear that 19 century classical humanism dynamically related to modern society. On the one hand, classical humanists explained the value of classical education in typically modern terms. On the other hand, competitors of the classical laid claim to values that were ultimately derived from classical humanism. 19 century classical humanism should therefore not be seen as a dried-out remnant of a dying past, but as the continuation of a tradition.

Zielgruppe

All those interested in the (modern) history of classical humanism and the German Gymnasium

Autoren/Hrsg.

Bommel, Bas van

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtliche Themen Kultur- und Ideengeschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtliche Themen Mentalitäts- und Sozialgeschichte
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Pädagogik Geschichte der Pädagogik, Richtungen in der Pädagogik
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Deutsche Geschichte

Über Autor(innen)

B. van Bommel, University of Utrecht