Changing Worlds: Purpose formation, pluralism and paradigm clash – past and present

In this conference we will discuss the nature, goals and processes of formation, challenges to formation in pluralistic contexts, and problems of formation at times of paradigm clashes. The legitimacy of individually focused formation through higher education is not immune to question, given the social inequalities evident in access to enrolment and between graduates and non-graduates. The ethical implications of intentional formation of people in a social context that privileges autonomy are also worthy of close scrutiny. Some ethical questions include: Who has the right to attempt the formation of others? What legitimates formation activities? What are the benefits and harms of purposive individual formation in situations of pluralism? In considering these and related questions about purposive formation we reflect on the present and consider lessons that can be learned from the past.