SUGGESTIONS FOR A PEDAGOGY BASED UPON THE PHILOSOPHY OF MARTIN BUBER

This study makes suggestions for a pedagogy based upon the thinking of Martin Buber. After an introductory chapter, Buber's basic ontological, social, spiritual, and educational ideas are selectively explored and discussed in five interconnecting chapters which follow. Through an examination of Buber's own life, his connections to mysticism and existentialism, his study of Hasidism, and his specific, educational writings, an impression of Buber's most basic thinking is uncovered. From this thinking, a paradigm, termed "dialogical map," and a set of subjective characteristics belonging to the paradigm are revealed. Dialogical man becomes the goal of a Buber-inspired pedagogy, and his characteristics suggest the methodology.; In a concluding chapter, dialogical man's characteristics are stated, and programs for their acquisition in the areas of curriculum development and teacher education are suggested. In a final discussion, it is concluded that a Buberian pedagogy, due to its spiritual, subjective, and utopian components, would meet substantial opposition from the contemporary public and most of their educational institutions which are grounded in empiricism and the scientific method. Nevertheless, Buber's philosophy and the resultant pedagogy provide inspiration and direction to educators and institutions which seek educational reforms that are affective and value-based.