Classical Humanism and the Challenge of Modernity : : Debates on Classical Education in 19th-century Germany / / Bas van Bommel.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter DG Plus DeG Package 2015 Part 1
• VerfasserIn: Bommel, Bas van,
• Place / Publishing House: Berlin ;, Boston : : De Gruyter, , [2015]; ©2015
• Year of Publication: 2015
• Language: English
• Series: Philologus. Supplemente / Philologus. Supplementary Volumes : Zeitschrift für antike Literatur und ihre Rezeption , 1
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (234 p.)

In scholarship, classical (Renaissance) humanism is usually strictly distinguished from 'neo-humanism', which, especially in Germany, flourished at the beginning of the 19th century. While most classical humanists focused on the practical imitation of Latin stylistic models, 'neohumanism' is commonly believed to have been mainly inspired by typically modern values, such as authenticity and historicity. Bas van Bommel shows that whereas 'neohumanism' was mainly adhered to at the German universities, at the Gymnasien a much more traditional educational ideal prevailed, which is best described as 'classical humanism.' This ideal involved the prioritisation of the Romans above the Greeks, as well as the belief that imitation of Roman and Greek models brings about man's aesthetic and moral elevation. Van Bommel makes clear that 19th century classical humanism dynamically related to modern society. On the one hand, classical humanists explained the value of classical education in typically modern terms. On the other hand, competitors of the classical Gymnasium laid claim to values that were ultimately derived from classical humanism. 19th century classical humanism should therefore not be seen as a dried-out remnant of a dying past, but as the continuation of a living tradition.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Preface -- Abbreviations -- Introduction -- Part I: The Persistence of Classical Humanism -- 19th-century classical humanism: the case of Karl Gottfried Siebelis (1769–1843) -- Part II: The Adaptability of Classical Humanism -- Introduction -- 1. The Challenge of Science -- 2. The Challenge of the Bürgerschule -- 3. The Challenge of Christianity -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Index