The Role of the School in Moral Education

Résumé ou Introduction

This paper deals with the role of the school in moral education. Is takes a look at the school as a whole as well as the individual teacher and the subject which is taught.

Bramble and Garrod (cited by Kohlberg, 1979 p.210) define morality as “perspective on life - a set of principles which, applied to given circumstances help to guide one’s actions.”

Lacey reveals a similar viewpoint when he defines it as concerning habits, customs and ways of life and the categorization of these into good or bad, right or wrong. He goes on to introduce the concept of a moral principle of which he presents three views: things for which we can be held responsible, a principle which is preferred over other principles and values that are universally accepted and approved.
These definitions clearly illustrate one major point: that morality is an integral aspect of life.

During the course of one’s lifetime, one is constantly called to act upon principles that have been established and accepted across societies over decades or to act upon one’s own principles in a given situation.

The concept of a moral principle then is basic to all human societies and to every individual human being. However, in defining morality one needs to explore the concept in more detail. It is necessary, first of all, to look at what may be considered as moral by the individual, by the society and by different societies. Secondly, one must note that there are values such as honesty, integrity, respect and consideration for others which are fundamental to humanity.