An original person of the Hungarian pedagogy: Sandor Karacsony

Abstract

Sandor Karacsony (1891–1952) is a prominent figure in Hungarian pedagogy, in his educational work, and writings; he combined Reformed theology and education science theory. Karacsony interpreted the reform pedagogical responsibility (playfulness, experience-oriented education, etc.) principles, and studied that it referred to the different ages, e.g., the role and prospects of autonomy. However, for example, respecting the other people, placing the individual development into the center, creating benevolent atmosphere, etc., can be explained with his Calvinistic conviction as well (Karacsony, 1995, 2004). According to Karacsony, the joined development of body and soul is recognizable, we always have to look at the whole person. His conception has a lot of similarities with the dialectical conceptualization of Hubert Henz, Ernst Christian Trapp, and Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher, furthermore with Dilthey, Nohl, and Wilhelm Flitner’s pedagogical fundamental relation, communication-centered theory. Examining Sandor Karacsony’s findings on education, it can be stated that he speaks not so much about education but rather collaboration and a sharing of life. In short, the general aim of the upbringing is the increase and the finding of what is possible only with relating and common language.