An Introduction to the Pedagogical Thought of Karol Wojtyła – John Paul II

Abstract

The paper focuses on the need to reflect on the methodological foundations of pedagogy and its practical aspect. This problem should be discussed due to the challenges of contemporary life and the so-called critical trends (including anti-pedagogy) that are dominating in pedagogy. According to the author, one can find in the thought of Karol Wojtyła – John Paul II some grounds for such a conception of pedagogy that could face the challenges. The author pinpoints that the personalistic conception of Wojtyła is rooted in experience. It can also be interpreted in terms of classical metaphysics. Accordingly, practice can make use of the rich experience and pedagogical theory is firmly grounded in philosophy. Education here is understood as perfection of one's own humanity with „participation in truth and love” as its essential element. Building this kind of conception should take into consideration some specific elements of Karol Wojtyła's thought. They are as follows: the relation to truth and freedom based on the truth are of fundamental importance; taking into account the practical aspect (a concrete personal pattern), personal understanding of praxis; highlighting the communal aspect (man lives in a community and for a community).

This conception of pedagogy attempts to defend the transcendental and subjective character of truth. Consequently, it is capable of showing the way how to solve the most important problems in pedagogy, such as the crisis of education and authority, setting theory in opposition to practice, excesses of individualism, depersonalisation of social structures and mechanisms.