It is possible to approach, but not to achieve, the goal of perfection. To the three traditional philosophical values of truth, goodness, and beauty it is appropriate to append the important values of wisdom, humanness, and grace. Among the resources available toward the perfection of behavior are ethics, morality, and mores. The first chapter of…

This article questions whether the study of normative moral theory and its application to particular moral problems has a beneficial effect upon someone seeking to improve the quality of their moral thinking. A broad outline of the conception of moral thinking underlying moral theory and applied ethics is considered, particularly the logical…

Examines ethics in relation to postmodernism, arguing that ethics, subsumed in the ontology of situatedness, is problematic in education and could encourage reincarnation of the violence postmodernism seeks to overcome. Levinas's work is used to argue that ethics cannot be subsumed by ontology but rather precedes ontology, highlighting autonomy…

David Carr (2002) has argued against the use of developmental theories as a basis for curriculum development in moral education. Although we find common ground with some aspects of Carr's arguments, we disagree with several of his criticisms of the cognitive-developmental approach to moral education. He confuses romantic ideology (as espoused by…

Suggests that morality is both an individual and institutional concern. Asserts that criteria for judging the morality of schooling arise out of its mission. Examines the moral condition of teacher education. Presents a model of moral teacher education that incorporates the mission of teacher education, the domains of schooling, and a time…

Discusses authority's relevance to moral education. Suggests that the concept of authority has been neglected in theory and practice. Argues that no human interaction is possible without authority. Discusses authority's legitimacy and scope of authority in the context of compelling school attendance. Underscores authority's role in moral and…

This book addresses the widening and deepening decline of the control of behavior toward one another that has emerged in the United States since the middle of this century, viewed by the writer as a profound problem. The volume argues the solution is a conception of moral education. The rationale here is developed in a dialogical form and…

Despite widespread indifference or resistence to the idea, communication scientists need to discuss the ethical implications of their research. Fortunate in being able to conduct research, scientists are responsible to and for the larger population in whose names they do their work. They need to realize that such traditional research areas and…

The field of ethics and values studies in science and technology has experienced an expansion since the 1970s including increased numbers of organizations, publications, research studies, workshops, and conferences. As a consequence, scholarly and public attention focus more frequently on ethics and values issues. In an effort to pause and reflect…

Contends that for 30 years the study of moral development has been prominent in psychology and education. Argues that there are two major cognitive components underlying moral action: (1) the interpretation of moral situations; and (2) the resolution of moral conflicts. Discusses this viewpoint in relation to moral orientation and moral character.…

Presents results of a study designed to promote social justice by teaching English primary school children about social discrimination. Confirms evidence that children aged 7 to 11 can recognize unfair discrimination against oppressed groups. Suggests children will recognize discrimination even without reference to oppressed groups. (DK)

Discusses an evolutionary approach to human morality. Emphasizes the rapid development of brain weight, neural circuits, and synaptic systems during early childhood. Concludes that the human brain has resources for generating responsible, caring behavior but must be nurtured and educated. Urges that moral training in a proper social climate be…

Discussion of the use of simulation games to teach political strategy focuses on the relationship between honesty and expediency (winning). Three models of competition are developed, each involving a different relationship between truth and success, and the outcomes of a course on social situations and gaming are discussed. (16 references) (LRW)

Contends that the concept of levels of moral maturity in psychology focuses on character formation in children's development. Asserts that virtue theory in ethics can be helpful in pointing out the ethical implications of current work with children. Argues for the usefulness of ancient ethical concepts. (CFR)

Because of widespread acceptance of Kohlberg's theory of moral development other aspects of moral thinking and behavior linked with the feminine voice have not received attention. Four areas of Kohlberg's theory relevant to the gender issue are critiqued, and work by Carol Gilligan, suggesting alternative theories for thinking and behavior, is…