Education, Truth and Subjectivity: Revisiting Kierkegaard

Bibliographic Details
Title: Education, Truth and Subjectivity: Revisiting Kierkegaard
Language: English
Authors: Roberts, Peter (ORCID 0000-0003-4408-5125)
Source: Oxford Review of Education. 2023 49(3):376-389.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Ethics, Deception, Philosophy, Social Attitudes, Social Responsibility, Moral Values, Educational Philosophy, Religious Factors
DOI: 10.1080/03054985.2022.2091536
ISSN: 0305-4985
1465-3915
Abstract: Over recent years, it has been claimed that we live in a 'post-truth' age: a moment in history where the ideal of truth seems to have been abandoned. The prevailing attitude towards truth is not one of antagonism but of "indifference." Should this bother us? If so, why? What might we mean by 'truth'? How is truth relevant to education? One thinker who can help us in addressing these questions is the Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard. Kierkegaard demonstrated a deep commitment to truth, not as an abstract idea but as a way of life. For Kierkegaard, a posture of indifference in facing the question of truth would have been abhorrent. One of the best known, but most frequently misunderstood, aspects of his work is his notion that "truth is subjectivity." This stance needs to be carefully distinguished from a position, commonly expressed today, where truth is regarded as 'relative' or 'subjective'. Kierkegaard's concern is not so much with the notion of 'being subjective' as with "becoming an existing subject." Some truths -- notably, those connected with the question of existence -- matter more than others, and education, it is argued in this paper, ought to have a stronger focus on such truths.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1385937
Database: ERIC
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More Details
ISSN:0305-4985
1465-3915
DOI:10.1080/03054985.2022.2091536
Published in:Oxford Review of Education
Language:English