The Paris statement “A Europe we can believe in” (2017) and problems of modern education

Abstract

Summary. The purpose of the article is to give a sociophilosophical analysis of one of the main ideas in the Paris statement of 2017 “A Europe we can believe in” – the problem of modern education. The philosophical and anthropological direction and Christian dogma became the methodological basis for the research. Also, hermeneutic and traditionalist approaches were used to solve the tasks. Scientific novelty. The content of the Paris Statement is not viewed as a criticism of the European space, rather an attempt undertaken by European intellectuals to show the “real Europe” from a philosophical standpoint emphasizing the true values of the European heritage. The Paris Statement is the voice of reason that must be heard in this complex world filled with propaganda and manipulation. The statement does not dwell on the chronological issues of Europe’s historical existence but on a special way of human existence. The conceptual identification of the deep foundations of the tradition in its spiritual dimensions makes it possible to deeper understand the problems in European education. Conclusions. Emphasizing that the essence of real Europe is its Christian and philosophical dialogic character, the authors of the statement define the main goal of education – creating a thinking, free person. Emphasizing the importance of Christianity as the basis for European culture, the stress is placed on the upbringing (educating) of children and youth not so much in the spirit of Christian values, but in the very spirit of Christian Truth. Also important remains the issue of reforming curricula to transmit a common cultural heritage, and not to indoctrinate the youth with a culture of repudiation.