Search in a multidimensional pedagogical field: Kohnstamm's theory of personalism in historical perspective

© Vereniging voor Onderwijsresearch (VOR). All rights reserved. Exactly 100 years ago, Philip Kohnstamm became professor by special appointment in the field of Pedagogy at the University of Amsterdam. Not only via his publications, but also through the functioning of the 'Nutseminarium' and the establishment of the journal Pedagogische Studiën, Kohnstamm had an impact on the Dutch pedagogical field. This introductory, historical contribution discusses the most important aspects of the life and work of Philip Kohnstamm, from the perspective of the history of science. Without going into exhaustive detail, and on the basis of some scientific studies about Kohnstamm's life and meaning, this article deals with the question as to how the historical context influenced his scientific ideas. After a short discussion on the foundations of Kohnstamm's personalism, this contribution discusses some of the societal evolutions and scientific debates that are important for understanding Kohnstamm's theory. Moreover, this contribution focuses on Kohnstamm's lasting impact on the field of pedagogy in the Netherlands. This article concludes that Kohnstamm operated in a shifting scientific and societal landscape that, on the one hand, was characterized by processes of modernization, scientification, and the belief in progress that went along with that, and by a search for values as the foundation of pedagogy, on the other hand.

Jaar van publicatie:2019