Reacts to Martin's (1995) essay concerning scientism in psychotherapy. Argues that the lack of understanding concerning the effectiveness of psychotherapy is reason for further examination, rather than a questioning of principles of research. The limited observation and measurement means of the behavioral sciences may account for the significant…

Examined children's reasoning about mixed-domain events containing both conventional and moral components--violating a conventional rule and negatively affecting others. Found that older children were able to identify the moral components of mixed-domain events and combined moral and conventional issues in their reasoning. Younger children were…

This article argues that, in the United Kingdom, the discussion of quality in higher education reflects a conceptual confusion and is generating practical consequences that may be catastrophic for higher education. A distinction is made between two approaches to policy concerning quality, based on selection of appropriate ethical standards. (MSE)

Social and cultural norms, institutional reinforcements, and adult oversight that used to enforce a moratorium on adolescent sexual activity have been largely relaxed, and the present approach to sex education is merely leaving adolescents adrift to fend for themselves. It is time to overhaul comprehensive sex education. (SLD)

Presents 14 questions and answers that deal with moral education and character formation in particular schools and classrooms. Suggests that schools which move in a "for character" direction are moving toward the "hallowed goal" of school community, so widely praised by educational reformers. (RS)

Defines a relational approach to moral reasoning. Notes that the Supreme Court, in "Planned Parenthood v. Casey," rejected simplistic approaches to moral reasoning and acknowledged the complex web of relationships involved in abortion decision making. Suggests that rhetoricians "revision" the art of persuasion to place more…

Examined whether a relationship exists between family adaptability and cohesion and principled moral reasoning. The moral reasoning level of 131 adolescents was measured using the Defining Issues Test, and levels of perceived family adaptability and cohesion were measured using Family and Adaptability and Cohesion Scales. No significant…

Investigated moral judgment delay in adolescent delinquents based on sex differences and specific moral value areas. Found that delinquents of both sexes were, on average, developmentally delayed in moral judgment, particularly on values related to the law. However, they rated values such as promise keeping, helping others, and saving life as…

The formation and implementation of U.S. moral/political educational policy is highly problematic, due to certain long-held beliefs and embedded understandings that affect the policy-making process. China's situation has been less problematic. This discussion explores three areas of contrast between the societies involving morality/religion,…

Applies 18th-century educator Horace Webster McGuffey's "Ten Commandments of Character Education" to contemporary schools. Educators shall set a good example, inspire staff, use the formal and hidden curricula, regard parents as partners, stick to basics, use moral language, walk their talk, reward good character, and have a clear…

Investigated whether eating healthy or unhealthy foods gives rise to moral judgments about the consumer. Subjects were presented one of four bogus profiles of a person, differing only in gender and foods consumed, and rated the target on morality. Results confirmed that food choices influenced the raters' moral judgments. (RJM)

This article examines Vygotsky's and Bakhtin's work as it relates to moral reflection. A sociocultural approach based on Vygotsky's and Bakhtin's work provides the theoretical underpinnings for engaging children in authentic, critical, and reflective discourse. It is through such communicative exchanges that teachers help children develop…

Describes the overlooked ethical dimensions of academic writing. Offers a conceptual framework for examining and teaching the moral principles and ethical constraints entailed by academic research and writing. Suggests several reasons why academic writing should be viewed as a moral as well as a cognitive phenomenon. (HB)

Within the limits of law and process, the lawyer's concern must be the client's cause, not his own agenda. Effective legal representation requires objectivity. The lawyer's role is to counsel legality, not morality, and the law school's responsibility is to teach law, not moral obligation. (MSE)

Describes a lesson for teaching elementary school students about moral issues and decision making. Suggests that students read "Tucker's Countryside" by George Selden and evaluate moral choices made in the story. Offers a series of activities surrounding the reading of the book. (SG)