Johann Bernhard Basedow

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Johann Bernhard Basedow
Johann Bernhard Basedow
Johann Bernhard Basedow
Born(1724-09-11)September 11, 1724
Hamburg
DiedJuly 25, 1790(1790-07-25) (aged 65)
Magdeburg
Occupations
  • Philosopher
  • educator
Signature

Johann Bernhard Basedow (German pronunciation:

German educational reformer, teacher and writer. He founded the Philanthropinum, a short-lived but influential progressive school in Dessau
, and was the author of "Elementarwerk", a popular illustrated textbook for children.

Early life

Basedow was born in

Johanneum in Hamburg.[2][3] Here, Johann came under the influence of the rationalist H.S. Reimarus (1694–1768), author of the famous Wolfenbütteler Fragmente, published by Lessing.[4]

In 1744, Basedow went to the

University of Leipzig as a student of theology, but turned instead to the study of philosophy, being particularly influenced by Wolff's "Philosophy of Reason". This made him examine his own Christian faith, arriving at a position that was "in a centre between Christianism and naturalism". Thus, he rejected his clerical vocation and turned instead to radicalism and reformism.[2][4]
He was the grandfather of Karl Adolph von Basedow.

Teacher and academic

Between 1749 and 1753, Basedow was a private tutor to the son of Herr von Quaalen, a nobleman living in

University of Kiel in 1752, and obtained the degree of Master of Arts.[2]

In 1753, he was appointed professor of moral philosophy and belles-lettres at Sorø Academy in Denmark. He proved to be a very popular teacher and was also called on to lecture on Theology. However, his fearless, anti-establishment views and the publication of a book in 1758, "Practische Philosophie" ("Practical Philosophy"), in which he expounded his unorthodox religious position, led, in 1761, to his removal from this post and transfer to Altona;[2] here his published works brought him into conflict with the orthodox clergy. He was forbidden to give further instruction, but did not lose his salary; and, towards the end of 1767, he abandoned theology to devote himself with the same ardour to education, of which he conceived the project of a general reform in Germany.[4]

The Elementary Book and Philanthropinum

Illustration from "Elementartwerk": Children's amusements, Dancers with Grandfather looking on (1774).

In 1768, strongly influenced by

Comenius in 1664. There was also a companion "Methodenbuch" (Method Book) to assist teachers and parents.[4][5][6]

This financial support from "friends of humanity" (Philanthropy = love of humanity), established Basedow as the founder of the philanthropic movement and he developed the first philanthropic concept. Philanthropy was integral to the forwarding of the education reform movement and could not have been successful otherwise.[7]

Basedow was a friend of

Goethe, and through him made the acquaintance of Prince Franz of Anhalt-Dessau, who became a firm supporter of Basedow's plans for educational reform and agreed to back the founding of a new school, the Philanthropinum, in Dessau. The school opened in December 1774, its keynote being "everything according to nature". Rich and poor were to be educated together, the curriculum was practically-based and conducted in German (rather than Latin or Greek), handicrafts were taught, there was an emphasis on games and physical exercise, and school uniform was made simple and more comfortable.[8] Although the school was open for only a relatively short time until 1793, its reforming influence proved to be considerable and inspired the founding of many similar institutions in Germany and abroad.[9]

Later life

Basedow, unfortunately, was not disposed by nature or habit to succeed in an employment which required the greatest regularity, patience and attention; his temper was intractable, and his management of the Philanthropinum was one long quarrel with his colleagues. He resigned his directorship of the institution in 1778.[4] Basedow Married Gertrude Elizabeth Hammer. He had many children including Christine Henriette Louise von Basedow (who died at birth), Antonie Luise Emilie von Basedow, Ludwig von Basedow, and Henriech Josias von Basedow </ref>

Basedow died in Magdeburg in 1790.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Webster's New Biographical Dictionary (Merriam-Webster, 1988), p. 81.
  2. ^ a b c d Lang, 1891
  3. ^ Quick,1896, pp. 144-5.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Basedow, Johann Bernhard" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). 1911. pp. 461–462.
  5. ^ Cubberley, 1920.
  6. ^ Graves, 1912.
  7. ^ Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie "Basedow, Johann Bernhard"
  8. ^ Cubberley, 1920, pp. 436-8.
  9. ^ Duggan, 1916.

Bibliography

Books by Basedow:

About Basedow and his work:

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Johann Bernhard Basedow.
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