The legitimation of school-based Bildung in the context of vocational education and training: The legacy of Eduard Spranger

Abstract

The philosophical foundation of Bildung in the context of vocational education and training was significantly shaped by Eduard Spranger (1882–1963). However its legacy is not as present today since vocational schools in german-speaking countries today focus strongly on competences. This article sheds light on the emergence of this concept, discusses the impact up to the present and reconstructs the debates surrounding it.