Un Modelo Educativo que Generó Oposición: La Ratio Studiorum de los Jesuita

Abstract

The aim of this study is showing the importance for the Catholic society of the publication in 1599 of the Jesuit curriculum known as the Ratio Studiorum. This document systematized the Jesuit way of understanding education in Early Modern Age. It organized the functions of each position in the school environment, as well as the methodology and content that had to be taught. The political powers, the social elites and the cultural environment of the cities were not strangers to its elaboration and implantation in all the Jesuit schools around the world. In the case of Spain, its elaboration generated a great social and political commotion, which even led the Inquisition to try to paralyze its definitive publication. What made this text produce so much controversy? What pedagogical innovations did it introduce in education? Why was the Ratio Studiorum praised by Protestants and Calvinists? These and other issues are analyzed in this article that, methodologically, in addition to reviewing the Spanish bibliography of Jesuit pedagogy, reflects on the studies of recognized international specialists on the subject.