????? ????? or for a non-constructivist theory of learning. ‘Passibility’, experience and education

Abstract

The present paper uses the Aeschylus motto ????? ????? as a starting point and a compass for an exploration of a non-constructivist view of learning. In this endeavour, the argumentation unfolds in three steps: first, a recent critique of Dewey’s experimental notion of experience is presented together with the suggestion of complementing it with some tenets drawn from Gadamer; secondly, the contemporary debate on constructivism is reconstructed, in particular insofar as it has resulted in a valorization of the dimension of the and affectedness of learning; and, finally, against the backdrop of the insights honed in these discussions, it is argued in favour of a non-constructivist reading of Dewey’s conceptual device and it is shown in what sense and to what extent the Aeschylus formula can be appropriated to a Deweyan stance.