POLL: Do we need to start teaching between right and wrong in schools again?

[Vic]

Originally posted by: TWills2

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
Such a thing should NOT be religion-based, but rather, based on the Golden Rule.

Logical fallacy. The golden rule was a christian teaching and is therefore, religious.

The Golden Rule predates Christianity and is universal to all the major religions (past and present). In fact, it could be said that recognizing the similarities of existence and condition that you share with other human beings is the source of all that is right, while rejecting that is the source of all evil. It can also be said that God is this commonality of existence and condition that humanity shares, and that the love of God is in fact the love of all humanity, both oneself and others. So when people who claim to be Christians begin dividing the world into "us and them," and denying the humanity of "them" for the purposes of initiating forceful action, they are in fact violating the most basic tenet of their own faith.

 

[Fenixgoon]

No, parents need to do their damn jobs.

edit: not saying you can't teach it in school, but the real formation of a sense of right and wrong comes from the home, not from school.

 

[badmouse]

I hate posts like this. Because everybody is saying "I want other people to act a certain way, and I want somebody - teacher, parent, whatever - to make it happen the way I want it."

If you really feel that something should happen, why don't you take it upon yourself to make it happen? First, start living in that "ethical" manner you seem to want. Second, go to your local school and find out how schools work, become a teacher, run for school board, become a funding expert, start lobbying the government for what you want to happen. Oh, and remember, you're "ethical", so you can't play the game the way some of the others play it.

That would be so much more effective than whining on a forum. Whining is the opposite of ethical behavior, in my opinion.

Schools already do a piss-poor job of educating a large portion of their students, why would you choose the school as the place to teach ethical behavior? Not much chance of success there. Think.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: badmouse
I hate posts like this. Because everybody is saying "I want other people to act a certain way, and I want somebody - teacher, parent, whatever - to make it happen the way I want it."

If you really feel that something should happen, why don't you take it upon yourself to make it happen? First, start living in that "ethical" manner you seem to want. Second, go to your local school and find out how schools work, become a teacher, run for school board, become a funding expert, start lobbying the government for what you want to happen. Oh, and remember, you're "ethical", so you can't play the game the way some of the others play it.

That would be so much more effective than whining on a forum. Whining is the opposite of ethical behavior, in my opinion.

Schools already do a piss-poor job of educating a large portion of their students, why would you choose the school as the place to teach ethical behavior? Not much chance of success there. Think.

And you think negativety and pessimism is the answer? How do know someone isnt doing this very thing and is encouraged by the positive tally of this poll and thougts herein. Yes, I do know the reality of todays public school system, but I think thats because we let get out of control to begin with! :sun:

 

[badmouse]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

And you think negativety and pessimism is the answer? How do know someone isnt doing this very thing and is encouraged by the positive tally of this poll and thougts herein. Yes, I do know the reality of todays public school system, but I think thats because we let get out of control to begin with! :sun:

No, I think this thread is negative and pessimistic. Parent-bashing easy, but it's not positive or optimistic.

I'm glad that the good folks here are interested in right and wrong, and in responsibility. I'd actually like to hear what positive things people here are doing - I think that would spur others to take action too.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: badmouse

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

And you think negativety and pessimism is the answer? How do know someone isnt doing this very thing and is encouraged by the positive tally of this poll and thougts herein. Yes, I do know the reality of todays public school system, but I think thats because we let get out of control to begin with! :sun:

No, I think this thread is negative and pessimistic. Parent-bashing easy, but it's not positive or optimistic.

I'm glad that the good folks here are interested in right and wrong, and in responsibility. I'd actually like to hear what positive things people here are doing - I think that would spur others to take action too.

I proposed an idea and the majority of people supported it. I can quote your exact words if you want to deny your post was negative and defeatist, but I dont think I have to. You can be a big boy and admit it on your own. Nowhere in this thread did I even suggest this was a substitute for parenting. If anything, I said one could supplement the other.

So Im glad we can now count you as a supporter of this worthy cause, now that weve "cleared the air".

 

[SampSon]

Teaching my children ethics will be my responsiblity. I don't want schools interfering with that.
I also don't want my children to be taught ethics by an overwhelming majority of extreme liberal teachers.

Though what you suggest seems to be more of a life lesson in how to obey the law. I can agree with some of that, but it should be started MUCH earlier in a childs education, not in high school.

 

[Xonoahbin]

In a subtle way, yes. The fundamentals of right and wrong are necessary. For those children without those fundamentals, learning them *subtly* in school is beneficial. The ones that already know right/wrong will just have the notions reinforced.

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: nonnormman
Ethics, morals, and manners should all be taught at home.

While I dont disagree with your point, I'd like to pose this question.

Should we teach about the different morals, ethics and so forth in our schools so kids have a clue?
My school didnt teach religion, but it did teach about the different religions and philosophies so we didnt enter the world clueless.

Also, in response to some of the other posts, teaching right and wrong becomes a problem when you get into issues that many folks have opposing viewpoints on.
Abortion. Homosexuality. Guns. Execution.
These are the kind of things that many folks have a firm idea of what is "right" and "wrong" but yet are somehow vastly different.

Granted the things I brought up are more moral issues than ethical ones, but if somebody (especially a member of the PTA or school board) wants them to be ethical issues, then all of a sudden they are.

 

[FleshLight]

Hell no, kids already have to take enough bullsh!t already including US History, World History, intro to computers, etc.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
We took religion out of schools back in the 60s. We didnt substitute a similar program like mandatory ethics, where you can pass or fai. It would be necessary to get your diploma. A program that starts in 9th and ending in 12th.

While you cant guarantee results and a student can still wind up robbing a grave and use the skull to make a bong, shouldnt we at least expose them to something?

I think this could be quite useful. What about you?

what does religion have to do with morals and ethics?

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
We took religion out of schools back in the 60s. We didnt substitute a similar program like mandatory ethics, where you can pass or fai. It would be necessary to get your diploma. A program that starts in 9th and ending in 12th.

While you cant guarantee results and a student can still wind up robbing a grave and use the skull to make a bong, shouldnt we at least expose them to something?

I think this could be quite useful. What about you?

what does religion have to do with morals and ethics?

What doesnt it have to with morals and ethics if you practice it? If youre an atheist you have to find another way to learn.

 

[dighn]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: TWills2

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
Such a thing should NOT be religion-based, but rather, based on the Golden Rule.

Logical fallacy. The golden rule was a christian teaching and is therefore, religious.

The Golden Rule predates Christianity and is universal to all the major religions (past and present). In fact, it could be said that recognizing the similarities of existence and condition that you share with other human beings is the source of all that is right, while rejecting that is the source of all evil. It can also be said that God is this commonality of existence and condition that humanity shares, and that the love of God is in fact the love of all humanity, both oneself and others. So when people who claim to be Christians begin dividing the world into "us and them," and denying the humanity of "them" for the purposes of initiating forceful action, they are in fact violating the most basic tenet of their own faith.

:thumbsup: very well said. I am an atheist yet I firmly believe in this "golden rule". If people do not follow it then we cannot have a harmonious society.

 

[DaiShan]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
We took religion out of schools back in the 60s. We didnt substitute a similar program like mandatory ethics, where you can pass or fai. It would be necessary to get your diploma. A program that starts in 9th and ending in 12th.

While you cant guarantee results and a student can still wind up robbing a grave and use the skull to make a bong, shouldnt we at least expose them to something?

I think this could be quite useful. What about you?

I think parents should be forced to parent, not the government/schools.