Education and political freedom in Hannah Arendt: a study of concepts and their possible correlations
Education, Freedom, Common World, Hannah Arendt, Philosophy of Education
The aim of the present work is to investigate the concept of education by Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) and its possible relation to the concept of political freedom, aiming to understand how education can contribute for the creation of a space where freedom can express itself. In the author's writings there is no direct connection between education and politics. In a certain moment, Arendt affirms that those activities are distinct. However, analyzing some fundamental categories within the political scope and education, we realize that there is a bond that connects education and political freedom: natality and the responsibility for the world, that, in education, takes the form of authority.The first one is characterized by the capacity that, we, human beings, have to start something new since birth. The second one is comprehended by the author, in the scope of education, as the responsibility we have for the common world, for our ancestors’ legacy and for the youngest that are being introduced into the world. Therefore, this dissertation analyzes the concept of education by Hannah Arendt, the concept of political freedom defended by the author and the denial of freedom by the philosophical tradition. Lastly, it aims to discuss a possible relation between education and political freedom, tackling the pre-political character of education, and to inquire about its possible relevance, even if it’s not certain, to the preservation and renovation of the public space, a space for achievements and political manifestations.