Hermeneutic of the Great Books in General Education

Abstract

Starting from the tradition of the ‘great books’ this work rehearses a hermeneutic specific to general education. It explores a certain way of reading in higher education, particular to general studies, which is based on the conversation or discussion within a study group rather than on the content of the books. The thesis is that the model of the great books is not but the very origin of general studies and that it has influenced the way in which education is understood. Finally, it problematizes the idea of canon, the concept of classics and the authority figure of the educator who serves to domesticate reading. It points towards reading in freedom based on the question formulated from one’s own understanding.