Philosophical and pedagogical views of Nicolas de Condorcet: First steps towards the humanization of the French education system

Introduction. The personality of Nicolas de Condorcet is interpreted very ambiguously in philosophical and pedagogical periodicals by domestic and foreign researchers. The article attempts to focus on Condorcet’s ideas on the humanization of learning, and also updates the principle of «equality and accessibility of education». The confrontation between the religious and republican models of rising and teaching children is analyzed. Theoretical analysis is based on the author’s concept set out in the work «Cinq mémoires sur l’instruction publique», as well as the social and personal portrait of Nicolas de Condorcet, described by domestic scientists and encyclopedists. Based on the analysis, a draft reform of basic general education proposed by Nicolas de Condorcet was presented, as well as the demarcation he outlined between the concepts of instruction [instruction] and education [éducation]. Conclusion. An assessment of the best practices of humanization and humanitarization of education, represented by the reform experience of Nicolas de Condorcet, allowed us to actualize the problem of educating young people and to outline the prerogative of the state in fulfilling this important task. In addition, the basic philosophical postulates of «free» education were formulated among which accessibility and equality occupy a key place.