Reimagining Descartes’ philosophy of autodidacticism in the postdigital education


FIRAT M.

Educational Philosophy and Theory, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00131857.2025.2611000
  • Journal Name: Educational Philosophy and Theory
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Philosopher's Index
  • Keywords: artificial intelligence, Descartes’ philosophy of autodidacticism, educational philosophy, postdigital education
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study explores the enduring relevance of René Descartes’ philosophy of autodidacticism within the context of postdigital education. In this era, artificial intelligence (AI) enables hyper-personalized and autonomous learning experiences by processing information and adapting to individual needs. By tracing the evolution of self-directed learning from Descartes’ philosophical framework to modern AI-driven platforms, this study highlights the importance of autodidacticism as a key philosophical principle for postdigital education. Rooted in intellectual autonomy, autodidacticism empowers individuals to control their learning trajectories. AI further enhances learners’ capacity to shape their intellectual pathways, facilitating knowledge acquisition that embodies the spirit of independent inquiry. This study argues that integrating Descartes’ vision of autodidacticism with contemporary technological capabilities provides a robust framework for reimagining education as a self-driven, personalized journey in the postdigital world.