Education in Values and Spirituality :: Introduction to Values and Spirituality

Module 1 Unit 3 - A Global Perspective on Education in Values

The dominant authorities today are science and technology, and this materially based culture is blamed for the loss of human and universal values. Traditional education for general intelligence has shifted to the utilitarian theory of education which encourages competition at the cost of a person’s holistic development. This has contributed to a changed morality. The old methods of dealing with antisocial behaviour have been recognised as ineffective. We must now reconsider our assumptions and apply new approaches to find a solution. We need to combine the utilitarian pursuit of education with spiritual, cultural and aesthetic values to obtain optimum results.

There is no such thing as value-free education; schools always teach values, but which ones? Education in universal, human and moral values helps an individual to define and inculcate their own values. It encourages young people to articulate their natural sense of justice and honesty and become aware of the consequences of their actions. The child is a witness to adult morality or lack of it, and looks for cues on how to behave from parents and teachers. Youngsters follow what they see, so teachers and parents must behave in the manner they expect from their children. Close co-operation between the education sector and other sections of society, such as the media and NGOs, can be effective in stemming moral decline and strengthening character.

Character development means to arrive at decisions based on moral principles. This includes the ability to reason compassionately and lovingly, and to feel and demonstrate sentiments of genuine appreciation or respect. Strength of character is essential for social cohesion and happiness. Cultivating universal core values and grappling with ethical dilemmas require the introspective and empowering discipline of meditation to consolidate moral fibre and align values with behaviour. When ethical decisions are based on universal values, sound character develops. It is relatively easy to be in touch with core values, but arriving at an ethical decision can be more difficult when the decision is one of ‘right versus right’.

Will power is an essential component of sound character. The more we indulge in unproductive thoughts, the weaker our moral muscle becomes. Our will power is strengthened by self-confidence, faith, courage, commitment, self-sacrifice and perseverance. In order to make good moral choices, we must rely on our conscience. Wrongdoing occurs when the conscience has become dysfunctional and when values are not clearly established.