A chi serve un manuale?

Abstract

The textbook as a literary genre arises within medieval universities and follows their evolution: the institutional context of the University of Cologne, founded in 1388, is a good example of how, during the late Middle Ages, university textbooks fulfilled a function different from that of the previous century and were more oriented towards a didactic use rather than a doctrinal exposition. The educational needs, the institutional role of the different viae in open competition with each other, the invention of the printing press and the creation of new book markets are all elements that contribute to the evolution of university textbooks with standardized forms, only focusing on a few doctrinal points. The texts are particularly designed to prepare for and pass exams, but they lose sight of the analytical commentary and completeness of exposition. This historical context gives us some food for thought about the function and usefulness of textbook in today’s secondary and university education.

Keywords

• ontology
• university education
• social ontology
• university