The andragogy of Aleksandar Kapp – truth and delusions

This paper examines Kapp’s understanding of the meaning and content of andragogy, as well as his contribution to its establishment and development, focusing on a key question: Did Kapp, regarded as the father of andragogy, articulate and elaborate his own ideas on adult education and learning, or did he merely present and interpret Plato’s ideas and texts on the subject? The paper considers Kapp’s personal and professional biography, his understanding of andragogy, and both classical and contemporary critiques of his ideas. Additionally, the reasons behind the long-standing neglect of his proposed concept of andragogy are discussed. Finally, Kapp’s contribution to the development of andragogy and the ideas of adult education and learning is analysed and evaluated. A systematic review of relevant sources leads to the conclusion that Alexander Kapp, through the systematisation and affirmation of Plato’s texts on education and adult learning, made a significant contribution to the affirmation of the concept of andragogy and the idea of lifelong education. At the same time, his interpretation and elaboration of these ideas opened new implications and dilemmas, highlighting the need for further research and reassessment of his significance in the history of adult education.