An Overview of the Development of Values–Based Education in the Historical and Social Context

Abstract

Values education is extremely important to the existence of the individual. Values have shaped the individual and society, and one may say that values education is an indispensable developmental social phenomenon regardless of historical changes. Given the importance of values education for the development of man and society, the aim of this paper is to identify the origins of universal educational values, reconstruct the historical and social background of the origins of values education and to highlight the continuities and changes in the development of values education. Briefly described in the paper is the fact that the value system has changed throughout history, but also that certain values have continued to be repeated, from antiquity to the present day. Some examples of universal educational values inherited in the course of history are: wisdom / prudence, courage, moderation, justice, sacrifice, modesty, spirituality, care for parents and the elderly, love of country, kindness, freedom, justice, peace, dignity, democracy, equality, rule of law, human rights, inclusiveness, tolerance, solidarity and non–discrimination.