Nigerian children experience moral education from the family, neighborhood adults, peer groups, and the community through direct instruction, observation, and unconscious absorption of moral lessons. They learn that gods and ancestors are sources of human morality. The introduction of Western religion and education encourages the young to pursue…

Compares and contrasts the world views and psychological assumptions of communitarianism and liberal rationalism. Liberal rationalists come out of a strongly cognitive, individualistic psychological tradition while communitarians espouse social constructivism. Discusses the implications of this for moral education. (MJP)

Maintains that a weakening of spiritual myths as the transmitter of communal values places a greater responsibility on the home and school to create these values. Asserts that these values can be defined through patterns of social action and interaction, and reinforced through the general curriculum. (MJP)

Argues that moral education needs to move beyond the development of individual character and assume a leadership position in the creation of better societies and a better world. Includes examples of innovative schools that have spearheaded this approach. Discusses intersections between moral education and the social sciences. (MJP)