While Spinoza stipulates an ideal moral person in the propositions on the 'free man' in "Ethics" IV, this account does not seem to be intended to function as a pedagogical tool of political relevance. Hence, it does not seem to correspond to the purpose of moral exemplarism. If we look for that kind of practical guidance, Spinoza's…

Matthew Clayton, David Stevens [see EJ1233331] and Laura D'Olimpio [see EJ1233332] have advanced a series of objections to arguments I set out in my recent book "A Theory of Moral Education" -- in particular to the problem-of-sociality justification for basic moral standards. Here I reply to their objections.

This article defends the use of narratives about morally exemplary individuals in moral education and appraises the role that 'nudge' strategies can play in "combination" with such an appeal to exemplars. It presents a general conception of the aims of moral education and explains how the proposed combination of both moral strategies…

The article presents one perspective on how children can be encouraged to develop moral judgement. The recalcitrance that Piaget encounters in his attempts to teach his own daughter a specific mundane rule provide a focus for much of the discussion. The differing impact of two separate strategies for conveying the point of rules, both on immediate…

Reports on a 3-year study of 855 adults who quantified reasons for choosing 1 conflicting behavior with another. Finds that, when the reasons to do something are roughly equal to the reasons against doing it, extraneous effects from the participants "life-world" often interfere as moral temptations. (CFR)

Providing suggestions for parents and teachers, this anecdotal collection of an early childhood educator's experiences and insights emphasizes the importance of developing the decision-making capabilities of young children. Fundamentally, the discussion asserts that one of the major responsibilities of adults is to give children freedom to learn…

This report provides preschool and early elementary schoolteachers with a summary of current research and theories on the social development of young children, relating the findings of psychological studies to classroom practice in the areas of cooperative behavior, moral development, achievement motivation, and the dynamics of peer interaction.…