This article points out the meaning of democracy in educational perspective and, in particular, in relation to adult education. The concept of democracy is mainly presented as way of life and, therefore, as a theoretical assumption of democracy as a form of political government which, in turn, and in a virtuous circle, represents the optimal context for development of lifelong education. The reflections are supported by explicit connection with the writings by Eduard C. Lindeman (1885-1953) who is considered, in the United States, the «father of adult education», especially thanks to his book The Meaning of Adult Education (1926). Indeed, the latter and many other writings by Lindeman are dedicated to issues as democracy, politics, leadership etc. discussed in a lifelong education perspective that considers all adults as learners. This paper also includes the first Italian translation of the article by Lindeman Democracy and Group Living (1936), whose examination aims to highlight the importance of some key-concepts: education as refinement of intelligence and critical thinking; promotion of individual differences as a factor for social enrichment; necessary training for political leadership. In conclusion, today, the Lindeman’s ideas about the relationship between democracy and adult education seem a very topical subject, because at the present age not infrequently education and democracy are simulacra rather than ideal purposes, and utilitarian lifelong learning is hastily elected to save us from our existential, social, political problems.
Educazione degli adulti e vis democratica: riflessioni critico-progettuali a partire da E. C. Lindeman
MARESCOTTI, Elena
2015
Abstract
This article points out the meaning of democracy in educational perspective and, in particular, in relation to adult education. The concept of democracy is mainly presented as way of life and, therefore, as a theoretical assumption of democracy as a form of political government which, in turn, and in a virtuous circle, represents the optimal context for development of lifelong education. The reflections are supported by explicit connection with the writings by Eduard C. Lindeman (1885-1953) who is considered, in the United States, the «father of adult education», especially thanks to his book The Meaning of Adult Education (1926). Indeed, the latter and many other writings by Lindeman are dedicated to issues as democracy, politics, leadership etc. discussed in a lifelong education perspective that considers all adults as learners. This paper also includes the first Italian translation of the article by Lindeman Democracy and Group Living (1936), whose examination aims to highlight the importance of some key-concepts: education as refinement of intelligence and critical thinking; promotion of individual differences as a factor for social enrichment; necessary training for political leadership. In conclusion, today, the Lindeman’s ideas about the relationship between democracy and adult education seem a very topical subject, because at the present age not infrequently education and democracy are simulacra rather than ideal purposes, and utilitarian lifelong learning is hastily elected to save us from our existential, social, political problems.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
