This article examines the work of R. S. Peters on moral development and moral education, as represented in his papers collected under that name, pointing out that these writings have been relatively neglected. It approaches these writings through the lens of the "familiar story" that philosophical work on this topic switched during, roughly, the…

This article is a response to Robin Barrow's John Wilson Memorial Lecture "On the duty of not taking offence". The present article takes issue with some of Barrow's claims and explores further the implications for moral education of some current views on the giving and taking of offence. Accounts are offered both of "inherent offensiveness" (an…

After distinguishing several ways in which the notion of the moral roots of citizenship and citizenship education can be understood, this paper focuses on the question "Is there some underlying attitude that citizens should have towards their fellow citizens?" It argues for respect, rather than love or care, as being the appropriate attitude, in…

This article, drawing on philosophical sources, proposes a certain way of seeing the nature and scope of values education: as a matter of 'sustaining the ethical environment'. The idea is introduced that just as we live in a physical environment we also live in an ethical environment, 'the surrounding climate of ideas about how to live'. It is…

Questions whether morality should not be discussed in schools. Considers claims for the importance of morality by drawing on the work of John Wilson. Argues that the best strategy for public school environments would be to focus on morality in the narrow sense. (CMK)

Asserts that it is commonly thought that moral education in a pluralistic society must be thin; confined to a few shared values. Argues that citizenship in a plural democracy demands a cognitively substantial form of moral education. Maintains that both democratic participation and demands of toleration need a high level of moral understanding.…