In the summer of 1891, an instructor at the Springfield, Massachusetts, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Training College named James Naismith created a new game for boys to play indoors. Naismith attached two peach baskets to both ends of the gym. After devising some rules, Naismith invited some of his students to play the first game of…

Most world history books feature the successes of the Roman Empire during the first and second centuries. During the third and fourth centuries, they turn to the events leading up to the empire's collapse. Explanations of the Roman Empire's decline and fall often cite external military threats, governmental failure and instability,…

The preparation of students for global citizenship represents a central challenge to social studies educators in the twenty-first century. Two-thirds of the world's poor are steeped in abject poverty and its grim consequences. The world refugee problem has reached staggering proportions. There is an international epidemic of human trafficking, and…

This NCSS position statement is intended for all audiences who are committed to preparing students for active and engaged citizenship in the 21st century. This includes the general public, the elementary, middle, and high school communities, social studies supervisors and directors, higher education, and all educators, pre-Kindergarten through…

Since the founding of this nation, Americans have lived by the belief that wars have laws. Even in the most morally-challenging times, the principles of international humanitarian law (IHL)--which provide basic protections for the vulnerable, such as civilians, prisoners of war, and sick and injured combatants--have been championed by leaders like…

The author places his current theories on cognitive moral development in historical perspective. (DE)

Argues that concern purely with consequences is an inadequate basis for an ethical theory. Suggests that claims based on rights or standards other than the promotion of the greatest happiness be used to guide decisions. Insists that conflict among rights in no way denies their existence or their essence in determinations of distributive justice.…

An outline of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of cognitive moral development prefaces an application of the teaching plan developed by the Social Studies Curriculum Center at Carnegie-Mellon University for leading discussions of moral dilemmas. (JH)

In-depth investigations of individuals or groups, for instance, Harry Truman, Martin Luther King, Jr., or American Indians, provide stimulating teaching material to help youngsters move to higher levels of moral reasoning. (JH)

Kohlberg's moral development theories and research are criticized. (DE)

Answers criticism directed at utilitarianism. Argues that the philosophy evaluates choices by identifying the factors that should be considered in weighing the morality of an act. Suggests that the distributive principle of impartiality means everyone's pleasure should count equally. (DK)

This article presents 11 generalizations which summarize Lawrence Kohlberg's research into cognitive moral development. (DE)

Address at the 52nd Annual meeting of the National Council for the Social Studies.

Examines, with power and warmth, the obiligations and achievements of social studies in meeting the moral, life-or-death crisis in which we are all involved. (JB)