Kalokagathia - harmony between the mind and the body
Ancient Greek idea of education in modern times
The ancient Greek ideal of education is depicted in the term of Kalokagathia - in a human being harmony consists of reaching balance between their two dimensions - body and mind.
Education in Athens did not divide the mind from the body, instead people were educated towards harmony. There were two kinds of education that helped to develop a human being - "music" and "gymnastics". Both, "music" and "gymnastics" were taught at the same place and belonged inseparably to each other. They were both necessary for a human being to become harmonious.
"Music" meant learning not only music, but also to appreciate the works of famous poets, to play musical instruments and to acquire general knowledge, and "gymnastics" meant exercising in order to have a strong and healthy body, to learn noble manners, to develop physical abilities and to achieve good taste.
"Gymnastics" also meant enhancement of intellectual abilities, while "musical" education was similarly necessary for enhancement of physical abilities. In our project we would like to learn more about kalokagathia and find ways to incorporate the idea into our everyday school practice. It should not only improve the quality and attractiveness of education but also promote the idea of lifelong learning, active citizenship and intercultural dialogue.
Page designed by: Paulina Pawłowicz, Bartosz Koźmin, Przemysław Krauze.



