Philosophy and Character Education
Aristotle (and many other philosophers) emphasized the importance of good character. He felt that our virtues and personality were things we grew into over time, with careful thought and practice. In other words, character was built by exercising it, in much the same way that muscles are built. Philosophy teaches us to be honest with ourselves about our own shortcomings, and allows us to identify and pursue qualities we wish to develop. It also helps us to create strategies for dealing with the world around us.
Over two thousand years later, Aristotle’s message still rings true. As we become a “global village”, our knowledge of ourselves and our ability to relate to others are becoming as important as, if not more important than our professional skills. It is because of this that many educational institutions have created initiatives in character building. Visit the links below for more information on this emerging trend.