Cultivating Virtue in the University

Educators are emphasizing the importance of character education, but much less attention has been given to the ethical formation of college and university students. Cultivating Virtue in the University seeks to answer these questions by gathering diverse perspectives on character education within twenty-first-century universities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Across the globe, educators are grappling with how best to prepare a new generation to engage the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. Along with knowledge and skills, many are now emphasizing the importance of character. Yet, while there has been a robust movement to educate character among children and adolescents, much less attention has been given to the ethical formation of college and university students. What is the role of colleges and universities in educating the character of students? Should universities even attempt to cultivate virtue? If so, how can they do so effectively in a pluralistic context?

Cultivating Virtue in the University seeks to answer these questions by gathering diverse perspectives on character education within twenty-first-century universities. With essays from some of the world's leading scholars, this volume catalyzes a critical debate about the possibilities and limits of character education in the university while offering theoretical and practical perspectives on what such education could look like in increasingly global and intercultural institutions. By engaging insights from education, history, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and theology, the volume encourages scholars and educators to embrace the opportunities and challenges of cultivating virtue in the university.

Character education is a crucial aspect of preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. While much attention has been focused on educating children and adolescents, less attention has been given to the ethical formation of college and university students. The role of colleges and universities in educating the character of students is a complex and multifaceted issue.

On the one hand, colleges and universities can play a vital role in cultivating virtue by providing a nurturing environment that encourages students to develop their moral and ethical values. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as offering courses in ethics, philosophy, and religious studies, as well as through extracurricular activities and service learning opportunities.

On the other hand, colleges and universities can also be a source of ethical challenges and controversies. For example, the increasing commercialization of higher education can lead to a focus on academic achievement and financial gain rather than on character development. Additionally, the rise of social media and other digital technologies can create new opportunities for students to engage in unethical behavior, such as cyberbullying and plagiarism.

In order to address these challenges, colleges and universities need to prioritize character education in their curricula. This can involve offering more courses in ethics and philosophy, as well as providing resources and support for students to engage in extracurricular activities and service learning opportunities that promote character development.

Furthermore, colleges and universities should also work to create a culture that values character development and ethical behavior. This can involve promoting a sense of community and belonging among students, as well as encouraging dialogue and open communication about ethical issues.

In conclusion, the role of colleges and universities in educating the character of students is a critical issue that requires careful consideration. By prioritizing character education in their curricula and creating a culture that values ethical behavior, colleges and universities can help prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197599075