This paper describes the history of moral education in the American public school system. The philosophies of moral education, as advocated by the Puritans, Thomas Mann, Noah Webster, and John Dewey, are examined first. The controversial values education of the 1960s and 70s, which has been replaced by more traditional forms within the last…

Presents definitions and understandings of moral education, surveys some historical techniques likely to yield starting points for work on a history of moral education, and examines John Locke's theory and practice of moral education. (Author/IRT)

An explication of Rousseau's writings regarding education and democratic theory shows that development of moral character is the paramount goal of society and that a coherent ethical code should, therefore, be taught in public schools. (Author/ND)

Religious education (RE) and moral education (ME) are two distinct but related areas of educational concern. The distinctive content of ME is discussed, and its link with RE is examined. While the focus is on schools in the United Kingdom, the principles stated have a general relevance. (RM)

Describes the history of moral and values education in the United States, highlighting concerns about indoctrination and relativism. The current strength of several approaches is assessed: directive moral education supportive of common core civic values; values clarification; and the approach based on Kohlberg's theory. (Author/CS)

Analyzes the educational philosophy in Rousseau's "Emile" and its influence on the secularization of French moral education during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This critical analysis of Rousseau's naturalistic ethics covers the importance of home-life, habit-training, discipline, reason, physical needs, and historical…

This article traces the historical development of the Japanese nation with respect to the education, character, and spirit of its people. Changes in educational thought in the post-World War II period are discussed and indication made of the active interest in and current provisions for moral education in Japanese schools. (Author/SJL)

Discusses the development of the British educational system and perceptions of teacher's classroom roles. Focuses on pedagogical teaching methods of 17th century English character literature in character education development. Concludes that this era of teachers demonstrated an interest in the complexities of the learning process. (KDR)

Examines Dewey's claim that moral education refers to both the conduct of education (a morally defensible form of education) and the product of education (a moral citizenry) as expressed in his essay "Ethical Principles Underlying Education." Maintains that Dewey did not consider adequately the need for specifically moral criteria for…

Early tendencies of peace education in Sweden are discussed in this document. The time span is from the second part of the 19th century to the beginning of World War II. Peace education put special emphasis on exposing the contradiction between religious and history education. Religious education preached love and reconciliatory spirit, while…

Understanding and finding solutions to today's social problems can begin with a grounding in the history of moral education. Piety and virtue were among the goals pursued by colonial and early American educators. In pursuing such goals, these educators sought to give their students' lives a sense of purpose. Establishing this sense, and…

Character education is a contentious and fractionated topic, yet one that has been revisited with stubborn persistence in the history of American education. To explore the complexity of the character-education debate, this theme issue presents interviews with three national figures. First, a broad perspective is provided by Theodore R. Sizer, who…

This paper presents a historical study of three issues in education: (1) the teaching of morals; (2) teacher retraining; and (3) practices in language arts. It demonstrates that recent actions by the South Dakota legislature to ensure that children are given moral and character instruction are similar to efforts undertaken in the 1890s in North…

Discusses the educational principles and methods of the medieval philosopher and theologian, St. Anselm. Educational practices of medieval monastic schools, town schools, private tutors, and pastoral teaching are discussed. Available from: Taylor & Francis Ltd., P.O. Box 9137, Church Street Station, New York, N.Y. 10049. (Author/DB)