Homer's Educational Values

Abstract

The author of the article reaches for the most representative work of European culture from Early Antiquity, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. The aim is to demonstrate that certain parts of these works can be read and interpreted not only literarily but also pedagogically, although these are primarily epical literary works. By using the method of detection, he points out certain parts and verses, so he could hermeneutically, i.e. analytically draw attention to their educational and pedagogical value or meaning, and simultaneously interpret them in accordance with modern accomplishments of educational sciences. As the main frame for his research he applied the criteria of monitoring human growth in Homer’s times throughout the human ages: childhood, preadolescence, adolescence, but there are also speeches about ideals and glory. In times when, because of certain life situations, social and consequently educational values are questioned, not as much on the level of the rejection of principles, as much in the practice which does not always follow them, he directs us to the sources so we could perceive the genesis and living of values in the beginnings of the European circle of civilization, which also includes Croatia.