The Transformative Role of Ethics in Education

Abstract

The German philosopher, writer, and statesman Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767–1835) has played a key role in the transformation and development of education in Prussia and beyond its borders. If time is change and can be measured as progress towards social transformation, then time serves some concrete utility transposed in the field of education. For the purpose of social transformation and development of education, Humboldt has used various strategies, among which ethics or morals had a certain impact on education. Despite the importance of this aspect, the ethical understanding of the philosopher has not been researched deeply yet. The following paper analyses this question according to Humboldt’s writings and shows its relevance for education. The aim of this research is to reveal insights that have the potential to serve the development of education even now.

Keywords

• Ethics
• Wilhelm von Humbold
• education
• moral values
• social transformation
• freedom