The promotion of moral ideals in schools; what the state may or may not demand

The content and boundaries of moral education the state may require schools to offer is a matter of contention. This article investigates whether the state may obligate schools to promote the pursuit of moral ideals. Moral ideals refer to (a cluster of) characteristics of a person as well as to situ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of moral education 2013-06, Vol.42 (2), p.177-192
Main Authors: de Ruyter, Doret J., Steutel, Jan W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citizens
Citizenship Education
Democratic Values
Educational philosophy
Educational psychology
Individual Characteristics
Moral aspects
Moral education
moral ideals
Moral Values
Morality
obligation of schools
Promotion
Pursuit
Religion
Role of Education
School Role
Schools
Society
Student Attitudes
Students
Values Education
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Summary:The content and boundaries of moral education the state may require schools to offer is a matter of contention. This article investigates whether the state may obligate schools to promote the pursuit of moral ideals. Moral ideals refer to (a cluster of) characteristics of a person as well as to situations or states that are believed to be morally excellent or perfect and that are not yet realised. Having an ideal typically means that the person is dedicated to realising the type of situation or person to which the ideal refers. Therefore generating student enthusiasm for moral ideals may be an effective way to realise a morally excellent society. This article defends the position that schools may be required to promote the recognition of ideals that all reasonable citizens endorse. Reasonable citizens will not, however, accept that the state obligates schools to promote the pursuit of moral ideals.
ISSN:0305-7240
1465-3877
DOI:10.1080/03057240.2013.771118