Education, Truth and Subjectivity: Revisiting Kierkegaard

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  • Author(s): Roberts, Peter (ORCID Roberts, Peter (ORCID 0000-0003-4408-5125)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Oxford Review of Education. 2023 49(3):376-389.
  • Publication Date:
    2023
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Evaluative
  • Additional Information
    • 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
    • Source:
      14
    • Subject Terms:
      Ethics; Deception; Philosophy; Social Attitudes; Social Responsibility; Moral Values; Educational Philosophy; Religious Factors
    • Accession Number:
      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.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2023
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1385937