The Phenomenon of Scouting from Philosphical Perspective

The presented historical-philosophical diploma thesis depicts the scouting phenomenon, which demands a specific type of morality and produces specific individuality. We interpret a scout human through the following themes: the personˈs relation to nature and to God. We will demonstrate that contact with nature is closely related to the demand placed on versatile personality development in the sense of the Ancient Greek term kalokagathia. Using the writings of J. J. Rousseau, E. T. Seton and H. Thoreau, we will focus on an idealized form of the return to nature. We will further delve into scoutsˈ attitudes towards the first Scouting principle: Duty to God. Last, but not least, we will demonstrate that only mature consciences establish free and responsible action. This action is, however, conditioned by a dialogue with a higher force. A scout human is therefore defined by both; their specific attitude to nature and their acknowledgement of spiritual life. Only a life in harmony with those two constants leads scouts towards meaningful humanity