Philosophy of Education: Moral Purpose of Schools

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Questions and Answers

What is the author's stance on keeping moral considerations uppermost?

It is out of the question to keep moral considerations constantly uppermost.

What is the author's proposal for making behavior more enlightened?

To make the methods of learning and assimilating subject-matter such that they will render behavior more enlightened.

What is the distinction that explains the misunderstanding between teachers and critics of education?

The distinction between 'moral ideas' and 'ideas about morality'.

What do critics of education outside of schools claim about the schools' approach to moral education?

That the schools are doing nothing, or next to nothing, for character training. Signup and view all the answers

Why do teachers resent the criticisms from outsiders?

Because they believe they do 'teach morals' every moment of the day. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on the effectiveness of direct moral instruction?

That its influence is comparatively small in amount and slight in influence. Signup and view all the answers

What do the teachers claim to be teaching, besides subject-matter?

Morals, every moment of the day. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for intellectual results to become working forces in behavior?

That they be brought into vital union with character. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between 'moral ideas' and 'ideas about morality' according to the English contemporary philosopher?

Moral ideas are ideas that take effect in conduct and improve it, whereas ideas about morality may be morally indifferent or immoral and do not automatically transmute into good character or conduct. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the educator, according to the text?

To see to it that the greatest possible number of ideas acquired by children and youth are acquired in a vital way that they become moving ideas, motive-forces in the guidance of conduct. Signup and view all the answers

What would be the outcome if the educator fails to instill moral ideas in children and youth?

The ideas acquired would remain inert and ineffective, much like knowledge about Egyptian archæology, and would not influence conduct. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between moral education and intellectual matters?

While intellectual matters are the primary focus of education, the ultimate purpose of education is character-forming, and moral education is essential to achieving this goal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between immoral and non-moral ideas, according to the text?

Immoral ideas are those that make behavior worse than it would otherwise be, whereas non-moral ideas are those that leave conduct uninfluenced for either the better or the worse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate purpose of education, according to the text?

The ultimate purpose of education is character-forming. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the educator in shaping an individual's character?

The educator plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's character by ensuring that the ideas acquired are not just intellectual but also become moving ideas, motive-forces in the guidance of conduct. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the distinction between moral ideas and ideas about morality in the context of education?

This distinction is fundamental to the discussion of moral education, as it highlights the importance of instilling moral ideas in children and youth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Moral Purpose of the School

Moral ideas are ideas that take effect in conduct and improve it, making it better than it otherwise would be.
Immoral ideas are ideas that make behavior worse than it would otherwise be, while non-moral ideas leave conduct uninfluenced.

Moral Ideas vs. Ideas About Morality

Moral ideas are ideas that have become a part of character and hence a part of the working motives of behavior.
Ideas about morality may be morally indifferent, immoral, or moral, but do not automatically transmute into good character or good conduct.

The Role of the Educator

The business of the educator is to ensure that the greatest possible number of ideas acquired by children and youth become moving ideas and motive-forces in the guidance of conduct.
The moral purpose is universal and dominant in all instruction, regardless of the topic.

Character-Forming Education

The ultimate purpose of all education is character-forming, but it is unrealistic to keep direct moral considerations constantly uppermost.
Instead, the aim is to make the methods of learning and acquiring intellectual power such that they render behavior more enlightened, consistent, and vigorous.

Misunderstandings Between Teachers and Critics

Critics of education may not see a place set apart for instruction in ethics or moral teaching in school programs, leading them to assert that schools do little for character training.
Teachers, on the other hand, believe they teach morals every moment of the day, as they aim to bring intellectual results into vital union with character.

The Influence of Direct Moral Instruction

The influence of direct moral instruction is comparatively small in amount and slight in influence when compared to the whole field of moral growth through education.
The character of the teacher, school atmosphere, ideals, methods of teaching, and subject matter taught have a greater impact on moral growth.

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Description

Explore the concept of moral ideas and their impact on conduct, as discussed by a contemporary English philosopher. Understand how moral and immoral ideas influence behavior.