The Christian meaning of the individuality principle in V.V. Zenkovsky’s education concept

Abstract

By means of hermeneutical analysis a Christian content of the individuality principle has been identified in V.V. Zenkovskys education concept, its priority meaning is justified, factors of individuality development are determined, tasks of school education are formulated. According to the Christian teaching about the Image Divine in a person, the thinker interprets individuality as the main core in a person, rooted in his spiritual beginning. The holistic unity of a persons mental life as well as his individual characteristics are determined by individuality. The scientist connects pedagogical opportunities for the development of individuality with religious education. Churching, free aspiration to God, creative assimilation of the universal content of culture, social activity of personality are the main factors of development of the childs individuality. These factors are directly related to the tasks of school education: creating an atmosphere of love and sincere respect for the child; development of the emotional sphere of the childs personality and social responsiveness formation; supporting of the child in the search for an individual trajectory of his development, creating an Orthodox cultural environment for education. The thinkers interpretation of the individuality principle shows his intention to restore the integrity of the individual by building a system of holistic pedagogy based on the principles of Orthodoxy.