Philosophy 308

Fulfilled:  Goal 12 & Honors Course

What is ethical? Who defines what is and is not ethical and what gives them the understanding to determine the difference? Is there a universal rule which can answer this question perfectly and indefinitely? Honestly, I am still not sure; however, such questions no longer seem out of reach. Through studying the thoughts and experiments of brilliant minds which have come before and applying the rules of logic, I am able to approach such enormous ponderings with a sense of agency and at least begin to unravel the truth. On a more practical level, understanding the abstract methodology and inner workings of philosophy has allowed me to become aware of my biases and objectively work to eradicate them. In turn, I can prepare myself to receive criticisms and counterpoints to my own beliefs open to new suggestions without the barricades that often accompany emotionally charged controversial topics.

While admittedly the above easily sounds like abstract jargon, as a future educator I will have to apply these methods to my classroom on a daily basis and on occasion in the face of morally ambiguous circumstances. I want nothing but the best for my students regardless of background, yet when and if ICE taps on my door or an unstable individual threatens my school with a weapon, I will have the advantage of moral reasoning to aid in making life changing decisions which rarely come in the black and white variety. For a less extreme exercise of my moral reasoning abilities I analyzed the moral education systems currently available and implemented in school systems as studied by Kristján Kristjánsson. After all, the knowledge gained by one generation is worthless if not passed on to the next and part of my mission is to ensure students the best way to learn it.

Moral Education was created by Taylor Bauer November 27th, 2017. The above presentation contains the visual elements of my final presentation and analysis of Kristján Kristjánsson’s thoughts on moral education practiced in schools. The project served as a practical exercise of the skills augmented over the duration of the course.