Describes development of theories of moral education, including those of William McGuffy, John Dewey, Jean Piaget, and Lawrence Kohlberg. Illustrates relationship of Kohlberg's stages of moral maturity to Piaget's stages of cognitive development. Notes criticisms of Kohlberg's theory, and describes alternatives including behavior modification and…

In recent years, institutions of higher education have come under increasing pressure to integrate the formal teaching of ethics in their already unwieldy curricula. Evaluating a departments success in providing students with an appropriate introduction to ethical issues is important. Feedback about institutional effectiveness can help instructors…

This paper offers an overview of current debates on moral development and education, focusing on the relationship between empirical and theoretical research and raising four issues that are central to current research: (1) demarcation of the moral domain; (2) the gap between "is" and "ought," between facts and values; (3) moral…

Discussion of business ethics rests on rather ambiguous grounds. What one person considers highly unethical can be legitimate in another person's eye. Many businesses operate under tenets that, although not illegal, most people would consider unethical. Having the ability to distinguish between ethical and unethical practices does not guarantee…

The issue of the degree to which behavioral objectives and behavior change should be emphasized in health education is discussed. Topics included in the discussion concern the health educator's responsibilities and accountability, needs for behavioral sciences in health education, the behaviorism controversy, and dissemination of behavioral…

Arguments that the schools serve a conservative function, passing on existing social values, are summarized and critiqued. Teachers can plan a role in social change by: (1) teaching students to reflect critically on their own values; (2) helping them realize that individuals can change things; and (3) through moral education about social issues.…

This special issue deals with K-12 Jewish education in the United States. Included are articles discussing teachers' roles in transmitting orthodox traditions, the relevance of Jewish day school curricula, ethical instruction, and teaching about Israel. Journal available from: Human Sciences Press, Inc. 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.…

Passive and active research inquiries into moral reproduction are discussed. European theories of the state maintain that governments must play a mediational role, ensuring financial support and exerting control. (JN)

Examines issues and problems related to moral education which have been raised and discussed by R.S. Peters. His essay, "Reason and Habit: The Paradox of Moral Education," suggests that if Peters and others who write on moral education would specify the particular paradox/difficulty they have in mind, scholars and educators would have a…

A formal conceptual framework for responsibility education is presented, and a range of educational implications are derived. The concept of responsibility education stems from the notion that contemporary social conditions and moral issues are related to three concerns: pedagogy, curriculum, and institution. (JN)

William James, Kierkegaard, Kant, and Arnold, among others, warrant attention as the responsibilities of colleges for the moral education of students are reassessed. It is suggested that the issue of culture as a moral enterprise is at the heart of the argument. (Author/MSE)

A review of the literature and meta-analytic research into the effectiveness of character/moral education programs reveals that Christian educators should be wary of implementing such curricula. A history of character education demonstrates how the field has evolved. Problems associated with programming rationale, faulty methodology, and lack of…

The article discusses moral education in public schools. It proposes a realist model of moral realism derived from the work of Richard Boyd and Peter Railton, arguing that it offers relief from skepticism faced by moral educators and a foundation for teachable, achievable morality. (SM)

Examines the sages of Israel's teaching on the relationship between ecological responsibility and justice among the world's people. Contends that the sages' conception of a God whose presence and will are manifested in the world offers insight to the contemporary discussion concerning the relationship between the global ecological system and human…

Reports on a study of teachers' attitudes and moral judgment. Finds that teachers who participated in a Just Community Approach Program changed their beliefs about fairness, justice, and responsibility. Suggests that this type of staff development can help teachers deal with situational conflicts. (CFR)