Into the heart of things: Defrosting educational theory

Abstract

What is the meaning and purpose of education? Why do we educate ourselves? The nature of Bildung and educational development is traditionally linked to understandings of personal, social and cultural maturation and growth. The purpose of education is closely connected to a learning process which takes the individual or society to a more complete state of autonomy and authenticity. However, a language which deals with ideals and end points rarely succeeds in capturing the essence of specific learning situations and personal experiences of educational development. I argue that a more sensitive language must be called for in order to make visible the forms of abundance and multiplicity which characterizes specific and concrete learning situations in our everyday lives as teachers and students at the university.