Towards a humane school in modern knowledge society: Antique guidelines

Abstract

This article discusses the concept of humane schools in the context of contemporary knowledge society, from pedagogical aspect. The authors specifically indicate that the knowledge society achieves its true meaning and proper importance as well as full pedagogical potential, only when the values on which it is based are defined, and what kind of knowledge it implies. The basic features of humane school are discussed, their interdependence explained and major paradoxes that may occur in this regard perceived. Listening to the voices of some ancient thinkers that can be clearly heard, the authors discover deep roots and distant traces of important arguments in favor of the implementation of a school of thought in a new way, that is authentic humane school. Accordingly, it is concluded that on the uncertain and laden with contradictions road towards European knowledge society for the 21st century and the humane school in it, we need solid guidelines. By all accounts, these guidelines may be sought and found in the creatively transformed and newly assumed ideas of ancient Greek philosophers and in their global application on lifelong education for all people, i.e. for each man as a conscious and self-responsible human being.