ライシーアム運動における科学的知識普及の意義

―ジョサイア・ホルブルック編集『週刊ファミリー・ライシーアム』を素材として―

抄録

  The purpose of this paper is to clarify the significance of adult education in Lyceum Movement, focusing on the diffusion of scientific knowledge. As some historical studies on adult education in US have pointed out, the diffusion of scientific knowledge in Lyceum Movement contributed to the provision of educational opportunities for adults, especially mechanics and merchants. However, the question is what kind of educational significance was expected through the diffusion of scientific knowledge for adults who lived in communities. To answer this question, this paper attempts to explore the kinds of science that were provided for adults, and to clarify what aims of the adult education were achieved through the diffusion of scientific knowledge in Lyceum Movement.

  Firstly, this paper suggests that 8 branches of science were provided in Family Lyceum ed. by Josiah Holbrook.

  Secondly, through the columns written by Holbroop and letters from readers, this paper clarifies that : (1) Holbrook considered scientific knowledge as ‘self-knowledge’; (2) he aimed to provide ‘self-knowledge’ so that adults could improve themselves; (3) Family Lyceum's readers believed that the diffusion of scientific knowledge encouraged adults to promote education in the family and community.

  Finally, this paper concludes that the diffusion of scientific knowledge in Lyceum Movement played important role to improve adults who could educate their children and youth in communities.