This study was designed to discover why young children fail to respond to fables in the same way as older children and adults. The paper describes a model of fable comprehension and appreciation which posits that the moral lesson of a fable is specified by the nature of the outcome that results from the actions of the main character. Although…

Outlines a Vygotskian perspective on moral development. Summarizes Lev Vygotsky's ideas about the "zone of proximal development" and extends them into the domain of moral education, focusing on an extract from the film, "Boyz 'n the Hood." Shows how the zone of proximal development facilitates moral development differently from…

Remarks directed to Peter Augustine Lawler and an earlier article are presented. The rationale for a program of philosophy for children developed at Montclair State College is compared with Roland Garrett's conception of philosophy. Distortions in Lawler's perception of current philosophical practice and teaching are indicated. (MLW)