School as a Space for Building Community Relations

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of rebuilding community relations among young people weakened by the necessary isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the socio-cultural crisis. The importance of the notion of community was analyzed, and then the latest polls and studies on remote education were presented, which deepened the feeling of isolation of both pupils and students. Assuming that education after the pandemic should change, reference was made to Hans-Georg Gadamer’s concept of education. In connection with it, considerations are focused on such notions as hermeneutics, understanding, dialogue, horizon of understanding, hermeneutic circle, sensus communis. In Gadamer’s educational vision, it is essential to believe that meeting the other is the moment when the understanding process begins. The study emphasizes the importance of conversation, as a person is immersed in language, creates relationships with others, and gets to know the world through language. Possible answers to the question of to what extent the hermeneutic concept can create a bridge between youth and school upbringing and education were also considered. Moreover, the article describes the conditions that are necessary for school education to teach questions, not ready-made answers, so that the “virtues” of community can develop.