What is didactic literature?

Answer 1

From my (slightly uncertain) understanding, a didactic approach is opposite the dialectics encouraged by Socrates.

A didactic form of teaching would involve the conveyance of perceived 'facts' from a teacher to a student. This would be a teacher 'telling' a student how it is, or how it works, often without inviting questions as to the nature of the 'fact' or 'truth.' The biggest problem with this form of teaching comes from the philosophical notion that truth almost constantly evolves as human understanding increases.

In some cases, the didactic approach to teaching may be the most effective way. For instance, I would prefer my local life-guard accept the training offered by his/her certified teacher, instead of trying some new and creative method in the pursuit of knowledge.

Dialectics on the other hand involve both teacher and student pursuing an understanding through conversation.

If I remember correctly, Socrates accused the sophists of his time, who used the didactic approach, of having no real 'facts' at all. Socrates believed 'truth' and 'fact' to be incredibly hard to achieve if not impossible, as ones understanding/knowledge can almost always improve/increase.

I do not remember his phrasing exactly, but I'm pretty sure Socrates believed didactic teaching to be a tool of the intellectually pompous.

But, I could be very wrong about all of this.

If I am, well, I'm sure people will speak up.

Answer 2

something with a moralistic or teaching modulus- the parables in The Bible are intended to supply Moral lessons- for example the Good Samaritan. many people are turned off by overly internalized preachy fiction and prefer more interaction between characters. on the other hand we have psychological or problem novels which may moralize about Drug abuse, the impact of juvenile crime, and so on. I would say that they turn kids off.save the internet and western union for (message ) traffic, if you get the drift- it can be argued , in a loosley lighter vein some Animal tales push racial tolerance ( Incredible Journey and Fox and the Hound) but even still. why not just straight showtime.

Answer 3

1 intended to instruct, esp. excessively. 2 morally instructive; improving. 3 (of works of art or literature) containing a political or moral message to which aesthetic considerations are subordinated. (C17: from Greek didaktikos skilled in teaching, from didaskein to teach)

Answer 4

Didactic literature aims to teach or instruct the reader, often with a moral or ethical lesson. It typically presents information in a straightforward and educational manner, often using allegories or parables to convey its message. Examples include fables, allegories, and instructional manuals.

Answer 5

Didactic literature possesses an underlying (or direct) intent to be morally instructive.