For a humanistic education

A contemporary challenge

This book includes analysis and reflections by different authors, from complementary standpoints, that have in common their commitment to a humanistic education capable of facing the challenges of this century.

Education is today at a decisive crossroads. It can become an instrument of the budding cultural revolution that takes away the bases of a way of thinking and being widely shared, typical of Western civilization; or, on the contrary, it can become a legitimate validation of an enlightened and liberal society, and become the vehicle for the formation of the individual that, in times of change, confusion and growing complexity, acts as a guide in the full exercise of their intellectual and moral autonomy.

This is precisely what is being debated by nine prestigious academics and intellectuals, coordinated by Eugenio Nasarre. And it offers solid arguments to defend it.

G. Luri combines the critical description of the process of deconstruction of the educational task (which has been seen in recent decades), with reflection on its consequences.

M. Herrero justifies the need for a humanistic education in the 21st century.

C. Guaita analyzes the keys to the teacher-student relationship from a deeply human approach.

J.A. Gómez Trinidad reflects on the figure of the teacher as a transmitter of a necessary cultural heritage in the school environment.

A. Dosil, from Psychology, approaches an educational itinerary for the personal development of the student.

A. Domingo focuses his studies on learning virtues and their anthropological dimension, as essential qualities for the formation of the person.

X. Pericay reflects on the importance of language in the educational experience and on the risks that its deterioration and distortion entails.

J. M. Martínez-Val discusses the origin and development of scientific truth, which is the second of the basic pillars of a genuinely humanist education.

Finally, G. Robles and J. Moreno analyze the opposition and complementation between humanistic education and technological revolution.

Eugenio Nasarre Goicoechea (Editor) has a degree in Philosophy, Law and Political Science. He has a wide experience in public administration and politics. Among other responsibilities, he has worked as Sub-secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Secretary General of Education, President of the Education Commission of the Congress of Deputies, and Deputy to the Spanish Parlament. At present he is vice-president of the European Movement in Spain and a member of the Jacques Maritain International Institute.

INTRODUCTION. Education at the crossroads

1. Deconstruction of the educational task in recent decades

2. Why is humanistic education necessary in the 21st century?

3. Keys to the teacher-student relationship

4. The teacher as the repository of a tradition

5. Personal growth and development: building a more human future

6. Learning virtues. Training for the practice of virtue. 

7. Importance of language at the educational experience

8. Scientific truth

9. Humanist education and technological