Education and Schmid's Art of Living

Philosophical, Psychological and Educational Perspectives on Living a Good Life

Christoph Teschers

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2017
• ISBN:
  9781317190820
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education General

Instead of simply following the current neoliberal mantra of proclaiming economic growth as the single most important factor for maintaining well-being, Education and Schmid's Art of Living revisits the idea of an education focused on personal development and the well-being of human beings. Drawing on philosophical ideas concerning the good life and recent research in positive psychology, Teschers argues in favour of shifting the focus in education and schooling towards a beautiful life and an art of living for today's students.

Containing a thorough discussion of the ideas of contemporary German philosopher Wilhelm Schmid, this book considers the possible implications of developing a more humanistic and life-centred approach to educational policy, research and practice, showing that Schmid's concept of Lebenskunst provides a firm philosophical basis for this endeavour. Among others, this book draws on analytical and continental traditions to challenge current views and assumptions in regard to education and the role of schooling for contemporary societies. As a result, Teschers' work is sure to spark a debate about the direction of educational policy and practice in the 21st century.

Education and Schmid's Art of Living is essential reading for academics and students with an interest in education. Given the importance of such topics as the relationship between education and society, teacher education and how best to structure schools and learning environments, Teschers' work will appeal to academics and students in a diverse range of fields, including education, philosophy, sociology and psychology.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• List of figures
• Acknowledgements
• Preface
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Philosophical concepts of the art of living
• 3 Emotions and the good life
• 4 Positive psychology and the art of living
• 5 “Lebenskunst ” – Schmid’s concept of the art of living
• 6 Lebenskunst and positive psychology in dialogue
• 7 An educational approach to the art of living
• 8 Beyond schooling
• 9 Life pedagogy – an education for life concept
• 10 Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Index