Bildung as a Key to Eudaimonia: Aristotelian Foundations of Wilhelm von Humboldt's Educational Ideal

This article argues that Wilhelm von Humboldt’s educational concept of Bildung aims at the Aristotelian interpretation of eudaimonia (approximately “flourishing,” “well-being,” “happiness”) as its underlying intrinsic goal. Hence, Bildung in this understanding is portrayed as a key to eudaimonia. The author justifies this assertation by referring to both Humboldt’s biographical background and his philosophical œuvre. In this context, the author discusses how Humboldt's lifelong devotion to the general mindset and way of living of the ancient Greeks inspired the foundation for his concept of Bildung. In particular, this paper focusses on the similarities between Humboldt’s reasoning with respect to Bildung and Aristotle’s argumentation with regard to eudaimonia. It further shows how Humboldt extended his idea and drew pedagogical consequences by providing conditions that are both necessary to and sufficient for Bildung, and in consequence, eudaimonia. Finally, the author provides a systemized scheme of Humboldt’s concept of Bildung with eudaimonia as its ultimate goal.