This article examines the ethical issues bound up in the ways research problems are initially framed: the questions asked, the temporal and spatial frames of the study, the ways participants are defined. It explores the consequences of thinking through ethical issues using recent reconceptualizations of "agency" and suggests extensions of the ways…

Ancient Chinese ideas of moral education could be said to have five main dimensions-- philosophical foundations, content, principles, methods and evaluation--which are described in this paper. An analysis of the fundamental features of Confucian thinking on moral education shows that it took the idea that human beings have a good and kind nature…

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…

We present the results of a literature review of studies on teaching strategies for moral education in secondary schools (1995-2003). The majority of the studies focus on the "what" and "why", i.e. the objectives, of curriculum-oriented moral education. Attention to the instructional formats for enhancing the prosocial and moral development of…

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…

Studied 40 first through third graders to determine whether they would donate more to a worthy cause after being exposed to a humorous situation or to a serious one. The difference in giving was not significant. (RJC)

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…

This study was designed to discover why young children fail to respond to fables in the same way as older children and adults. The paper describes a model of fable comprehension and appreciation which posits that the moral lesson of a fable is specified by the nature of the outcome that results from the actions of the main character. Although…

Parish religious education programs for children and young people are examined with emphasis on how these programs are administered and operated, how students evaluate them, and what organizational and program factors are characteristic of particularly effective programs. Nominations for effective programs were solicited from 83 dioceses, and 258…

This 72-item bibliography presents an overview of publications related to moral development. The listing includes books and articles related to individual moral character development and how schools are involved in the development process. (EH)

Presents the results of a survey of Canada's 10 provincial education ministries regarding the promotion of moral education in their public schools. Compares the results with a similar survey conducted 12 years previously. Concludes that Quebec has made great strides in improving moral education while other provinces have lagged. (SG)