What is it about?
This chapter explores how two influential ideas—Aristotle's practical wisdom (phronesis) and Lawrence Kohlberg's moral reasoning—can work together to improve how we teach and raise children to be virtuous citizens committed to the common good. Aristotle believed that becoming a good person involves learning through experience and practicing good habits, while Kohlberg focused on how people develop the ability to reason about justice. By combining these approaches, the chapter shows how schools and families can better guide young people to make thoughtful, ethical decisions and live fulfilling lives. It also highlights innovative educational practices, like community-based discussions, that help develop both moral thinking and virtuous habits.
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Why is it important?
What sets this chapter apart is its ability to bridge a significant divide in moral education by synthesizing the timeless insights of Aristotle with the modern psychological rigor of Kohlberg’s approach. This publication provides a fresh perspective for educators, parents, and policymakers seeking actionable ways to guide moral and character development in an increasingly complex world. By integrating ancient virtue ethics with contemporary cognitive moral development, the chapter addresses the need for holistic methods that balance reasoning with habit-building. At a time when ethical dilemmas are more prevalent and nuanced than ever, this work offers practical tools and frameworks, such as the Just Community approach, that can empower individuals to think critically, act wisely, and contribute to the common good.
Perspectives
From my personal perspective, this chapter represents the culmination of many in-depth conversations between my co-author, Marvin Berkowitz, and me about how to bridge Aristotle's philosophy and Kohlberg's moral development theory. We recognize that others in the Character Education Movement have pursued similar connections over the past decades. However, we believe we have identified significant opportunities for synergy, while also acknowledging that there are theoretical gaps where the two approaches don’t align perfectly. Notably, these gaps are less evident in practice. For example, Kohlberg’s Just Community approach to moral education offers a highly fertile ground for cultivating Aristotelian phronesis and moral virtues. This practical method provides educators with a strategic and intentional way to promote phronesis development in schools and other educational settings, making it a meaningful contribution to moral and character education.
Juan P. Dabdoub
Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Reason and Disposition at the Core of Moral Development, November 2024, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004714052_008.
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