Education as a path to self knowledgement: a philosophical analysis of current challenges and opportunities

Abstract

 Summary.
 The article is devoted to the philosophical analysis of the problem of education as a path to self-knowledge, 
which is one of the central themes in modern pedagogical theory and practice. In the conditions of constant 
changes and transformations of society, the problem of self-knowledge is gaining increasing importance, 
since self-understanding and self-determination of the individual act as prerequisites for its harmonious 
development. The article explores the role of philosophy in the educational process, considering both the 
concepts of self-knowledge and the methods of their integration into the educational process, which allows 
significantly enriching pedagogical practice.
 The article emphasizes that education, by its purpose, should not only transfer knowledge, but also form in 
its students the ability to reflect, develop self-awareness and moral values. Pedagogy, focusing on personally 
oriented approaches, should promote the self-realization of the individual, giving him the opportunity to realize 
his internal resources, moral guidelines and attitude to the world. In addition, attention is focused on the 
importance of philosophical principles, in particular existentialism, phenomenology, and hermeneutics, which 
help to reveal deeper aspects of self-knowledge in an educational context.
 Existentialism, particularly through the work of philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, raises questions 
about freedom and self-determination as necessary conditions for the development of a full personality. The 
influence of this philosophical school on education is that it emphasizes individual choice, responsibility for 
one’s own life, and self-development.
 Phenomenology, in turn, helps to more deeply understand the perception of the world and one’s own 
experience, which is the basis for the development of students’ inner self-awareness. The use of phenomenological 
methods in the educational process allows students to better understand their own experiences, emotions, and 
motivations, which positively affects their ability to self-reflect.
 Hermeneutics as a method of interpreting texts and phenomena is an important tool for the development 
of self-knowledge in education, as it allows us to comprehend not only the meaning of educational materials, 
but also the contexts in which these materials are used. The hermeneutic approach creates an opportunity for 
dialogue between the teacher and the learner, helping the latter to understand their own beliefs and determine 
their place in the world. This approach stimulates the intellectual and moral activity of applicants, contributing 
to the formation of the ability to self-knowledge and self-determination.
 The article also analyzes in detail the main pedagogical methods that integrate philosophical approaches 
to self-knowledge, in particular, problem-based learning and dialogic learning methods. They not only help 
students develop critical thinking, but also stimulate the process of self-awareness, thanks to which students 
can gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs, values, and, ultimately, their life path.
 However, the article also points out a number of unresolved problems that arise when integrating 
philosophical concepts into modern educational practice. One of these problems is the lack of preparation of 
many teachers to use philosophical methods in the educational process.
 The conclusion provides recommendations for further research in this area. They include an in-depth 
study of the interaction of philosophical concepts with various pedagogical approaches, the development of 
new methodological strategies that should take into account the philosophical component in the process of 
developing students’ self-awareness, and the study of sociocultural aspects of self-knowledge in education. 
Thus, the article contributes to expanding ideas about the role of philosophy in the educational process and 
offers new perspectives for further research on this important topic.