Virtus et Humanitas: Bridging Virtues and Values of Greco-Roman, Jewish, and Christian Paideia

In an era marked by cultural fragmentation and ideological polarization, Virtues et Humanitas offers a thorough exploration of core themes in the ethical foundations of education. Drawing on ancient Greco-Roman, Jewish, and early Christian texts, the volume examines how classical notions of paideia—the cultivation of character and intellect—can bridge and inform present-day debates on values, virtues, and moral formation in (higher) education. This edited volume brings together forty-six scholars—renowned, established, and emerging—from classical and Jewish studies, philosophy, theology, and educational science to engage in an international and cross-disciplinary dialogue. The contributors investigate conceptual distinctions between values and virtues, the pedagogical role of narrative, and the relevance of religious and philosophical traditions in shaping educational ideals. The book advocates a pluralistic yet principled approach to value education—one that acknowledges historical complexity while addressing contemporary challenges. Through critical engagement with ancient sources and modern pedagogical frameworks, Virtus et Humanitas invites educators and policymakers to reconsider the value dimensions of teaching and learning. This volume is essential reading for those interested in the intersection of history, ethics, and education, offering a compelling case for the continued relevance of classical thought in shaping the future of democratic and inclusive education.