Valentin Letelier: science and modernity within chilean education

Summary

Valentín Letelier was one of the most important intellectuals of Chilean educational history who introduced the German pedagogy in our educational system. His view and initiative allowed the elaboration of Chilean educational foundations and the creation of the Pedagogical Institute. Letelier’s book “The Philosophy of Education” argues for the defense of an Educational State. Science became an educational support because it brought certainty, development, and democratization to the Chilean nation. Methodology, didactic, and special and comparative education areas were emphasized within his writings. Finally, Letelier’s judgments and analyses were significant to our educational system towards the end of the XIX century.