The metaphorical content of ''Bildung'' and ''Erziehung''

Journal/Book: Z Padagog. 1999; 45: Am Hauptbahnhof 10 Postfach 1120, W-6940 Weinheim, Germany. Verlag Julius Beltz. 161-175.

Abstract: The author attempts to follow the metaphorical traces of the notions of ''Bildung'' and ''Erziehung'' on the borderline between pedagogy, philosophy, and theology. In this, the concepts' original theological horizon of references is of great interest. As the notion of ''Erziehung'' is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition it is closely related to the idea of discipline. However, this idea has changed its meaning under the influence of the dogma of the original sin, of the anthropological theory of man's deficiency with regard to instinct, and of eugenics. ''Bildung'' refers to a relationship full of tension between the idea of man's likeness to God and the prohibition to conjure up an image of God,- a relationship which remained highly influential well into the nineteenth century and which only lost its unbalanced and provocative character due to concepts of identity. It is the author's aim to show that both ''Erziehung'' and ''Bildung'' still draw on these metaphorical contents, even today, and that,while they have parted with traditional answers, they still are unable to solve the problems that have prevailed.

Note: Article Meyer-Drawe K, Ruhr Univ Bochum, Inst Padag, D-44780 Bochum, GERMANY

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