Classical humanism and the challenge of modernity : debates on classical education in 19th-century Germany / Bas van Bommel.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bommel, Bas van, author.

Series:

Philologus. Supplemente / Philologus. Supplementary Volumes

Philologus : Zeitschrift für antike Literatur und ihre Rezeption. Supplemente = Philologus : a journal for ancient literature and its reception. Supplementary Volumes, 2199-0255 ; volume 1

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Humanism--Germany--19th century.

Humanism.

Education, Higher--Germany--Philosophy.

Education, Higher.

Classical literature--Influence.

Classical literature.

Classical literature--History and criticism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (248 pages)

Place of Publication:

Berlin : De Gruyter, [2015]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In scholarship, classical (Renaissance) humanism is usually strictly distinguished from 'neo-humanism', which, especially in Germany, flourished at the beginning of the 19th century. While most classical humanists focused on the practical imitation of Latin stylistic models, 'neohumanism' is commonly believed to have been mainly inspired by typically modern values, such as authenticity and historicity. Bas van Bommel shows that whereas 'neohumanism' was mainly adhered to at the German universities, at the Gymnasien a much more traditional educational ideal prevailed, which is best described as 'classical humanism.' This ideal involved the prioritisation of the Romans above the Greeks, as well as the belief that imitation of Roman and Greek models brings about man's aesthetic and moral elevation. Van Bommel makes clear that 19th century classical humanism dynamically related to modern society. On the one hand, classical humanists explained the value of classical education in typically modern terms. On the other hand, competitors of the classical Gymnasium laid claim to values that were ultimately derived from classical humanism. 19th century classical humanism should therefore not be seen as a dried-out remnant of a dying past, but as the continuation of a living tradition.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Preface

Abbreviations

Introduction

19th-century classical humanism: the case of Karl Gottfried Siebelis (1769–1843)

1. The Challenge of Science

2. The Challenge of the Bürgerschule

3. The Challenge of Christianity

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (ebrary, viewed May 1, 2015).

ISBN:

9783110365931

3110365936

9783110391404

3110391406

OCLC:

908079957