Józef Pieter – pedagog, psycholog, organizator szkolnictwa wyższego na Górnym Śląsku

Abstract

Professor Józef Pieter (1904–1989) was a Polish psychologist, philosopher, pedagogue, logologist, researcher, and lecturer at the Jagiellonian University, University of Łódź, University of Warsaw, University of Silesia, Pedagogical University in Katowice, and Central Institute of Physical Education – Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. He was born in Ochaby in Cieszyn Silesia. He graduated from the Jagiellonian University, where he studied philosophy and history and where he also obtained his doctoral degree. In 1945, he was habilitated at the University of Poznań. He is the author of over 200 scientifi c publications, including over 40 books, in the fi eld of pedagogy and psychology. An educator of many teachers and scientists. He supervised over 20 doctorates. Professor Józef Pieter was a person with outstanding merits for the development of higher education in Upper Silesia. He was aware that Upper Silesia did not have a university – an institution necessary for the intellectual development of the population – which could contribute to strengthening the Polishness of the inhabitants. He was fond of this idea throughout his life. After World War II, he became involved in the organisation of scientifi c life in Upper Silesia. For several years he held, among others, the post of the rector of WSP (Pedagogical University) in Katowice. His actions, despite many unfavourable circumstances resulting from the existing political situation, eventually contributed to the establishment of the University of Silesia in Katowice. The following article aims to present Prof. Pieter’s profi le – mainly his merits for the organization of higher education but also his scientifi c achievements, which in many respects were both innovative and at a world-class level.