Stenger, J. (2017) What does it mean to call the monasteries of Gaza a 'school'? A reassessment of Dorotheus' intellectual identity. Vigiliae Christianae, 71(1), pp. 59-84. (doi: 10.1163/15700720-12341280)
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Abstract
This paper investigates the pedagogic theory and practice reflected in the Instructions of Dorotheus of Gaza. Recent scholarship has emphasised the school-like character of Palestinian monasticism in the sixth century, but failed to define in what respects the monks’ activity in the coenobia near Gaza resembled teaching in the ancient schools. Taking the education system of the Neoplatonic schools as a starting point, this article systematically analyses Dorotheus’ conceptualisation of his community, his methods in the formation of the brothers and the role of intellectual activities in the daily life of the monks. It is demonstrated that Dorotheus implemented a curriculum of medico-philosophical therapy that followed the pedagogic pattern in philosophical schools and circles. However, what distinguishes his pedagogy from that of ancient philosophers is the strong emphasis on communal psychagogy and the role of practice in the progress to virtue.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Work on this paper has been funded by the EURIAS Fellowship Programme and the European Commission (Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions - COFUND Programme -FP7). The project code for this in our system is 171872-01. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Stenger, Professor Jan |
| Authors: | Stenger, J. |
| College/School: | College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Classics |
| Journal Name: | Vigiliae Christianae |
| Publisher: | Brill Academic Publishers |
| ISSN: | 0042-6032 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1570-0720 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2017 Brill Academic Publishers |
| First Published: | First published in Vigiliae Christianae 71(1):59-84 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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