Explain the two different kinds of teacher-learner relationships analyzed in Philosophical Fragments.

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TOPIC: Explain the two different kinds of teacher-learner relationships analyzed in Philosophical Fragments.

IDENTIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER:

In Kierkegaard's pseudonymous work Philosophical Fragments, or a Fragment of Philosophy he discusses the differences between the teacher-learner relationships in the ethical and the religious levels of existence by equating them to the relationships between a teacher like Socrates and his pupil, or God as a teacher and Christians as his pupils.

STATEMENT OF PLAN:

To understand the two different types of teacher-learner relationships, we must first (1) understand the relationship in the ethical level of existence. We must then (2) examine the relationship in the religious level of existence. Finally (3) we must understand the importance of the differing relationships in comparison to one another.

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EXPOSITION:

    (1) The first teacher-learner relationship outlined is the one between the Socratic teacher and his pupil. In this relationship the teacher and the moment of his lesson are not given any important weight. He is described in the text as having the role of a midwife. This is because the teacher is not bringing something new into the mind of the student, but instead awakening within him knowledge which he already possessed. Thus, the moment of learning is seen as being accidental. The discovery made in the learning process could be achieved in a variety of ...

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