Abstract

In this article the author discusses the terms Bildung, wisdom, dialogue and philosophical dialogue. The author understands Bildung as the spiritual education of the soul, involving the existential growth and maturation of the individual in her relation to herself, to other people, to the world and to a possible transcendent Other. The outcome of processes involving Bildung is argued to be increased wisdom. Dialogue, especially in the form of philosophical dialogue, is presented as a powerful way of enhancing students’ Bildung towards wisdom. The theoretical discussion is linked to a practical example from the author’s experience of teaching a course on philosophical dialogue in international teacher education in Norway.