Presents scientific theories and related research concerning the possibility that animal species, among which are humans, can consciously, or otherwise, biologically determine the sex of their children. Discusses cases involving insects, fish, opossums, primates, and New Zealand women. (MDH)

Analyzes the nature of sustainable development and the role that environmental education can play in a transformation toward a sustainable society. Discusses three rules for teaching environmental education: a child-centered education, objectivity on matters of values, and creation of environmentally responsible behavior. Provides a checklist of…

Discusses how the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has addressed concerns about ethics and violations of public trust, especially in the public sector, examining what to do in local communities to meet the growing concern, and discussing the need to educate NRPA members about the value of ethical behavior. (SM)

Exhorts 1994 University of San Diego graduates to invest their talents in serving the common good, whatever their chosen professions. Professionals have the capacity for welcoming complexity, acquiring information without being overwhelmed by it, planning without being controlled by their plans, discovering relationships, and creating meaning from…

Draws distinctions between classical and modern concepts of democracy. Contrasts Pythagoras' dislike of factions with Madison's support for economic differentiation and religious toleration. Discusses Aristotle's and Noah Webster's ideas on addressing class tensions. Examines early U.S. theorists' suspicions of direct democracy and support for…

Concern with ethics has given rise to two educational approaches, one derived from philosophical principles of social ethics, the other based on case studies of practical issues. A combination of these is necessary to ensure situational applicability and to avoid moral relativism and expediency. (SK)

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)

Examines various models of rationality. Describes mature moral thinking as a progressive integration of logical thinking, dialectical thinking, and sense of paradox. Considers the type of rationality called for by moral thinking, transformations in moral thinking undergone while acquiring rationality, and types of teaching that foster progress in…

Children between three and five years of age were told or shown that story characters held beliefs that differed from their own beliefs concerning physical facts, moral values, social conventions, personal values, and ownership. Found that three year olds had difficulty attributing to others beliefs that differed from their own. (BC)

Modern school reform efforts stressing competition ignore the redemptive power of love to heal wounds that cause so many youngsters to despair, leave school, withdraw from society, and abandon productive futures. This article discusses 15 commonly identified forms of love that can help address the problems of violence and provide evidence of…

Describes a required ethics course designed for juniors and seniors at a small Connecticut boarding school. Students explore the ethics of care and justice, examine ethical assumptions behind the school's disciplinary system, consider a series of dilemmas, and discuss complex topics such as abortion, euthanasia, and racism. A sidebar outlines…

Too strong an emphasis on the development of self-esteem in young children can lead to the tyranny of self-centeredness with the ultimate result being badly adjusted adults. Without an objective moral referent, children cannot acquire a stable sense of right and wrong. (JOW)

Develops an approach to rhetorical criticism by integrating the work of Marxist literary critic Frederic Jameson with that of the depth psychologist C. G. Jung. Reconceptualizes the cultural psyche as composed of historical and universal elements, redefines the rhetorical and moral functions of narrative texts, and casts the rhetorical critic as…

Literature review explores various components of spiritual health, defining and categorizing existing definitions identified in the literature into six perspectives: sense of fulfillment in life; values and beliefs of community and self; wholeness in life; a factor in well-being; a controlling higher power; and human/spiritual interaction. (SM)

Creative dramatics is advocated as a moral education strategy. Studies examining role playing as an intervention strategy are reviewed. Kohlberg's moral education theory and criticisms of it are discussed. A dramatic example is shared, and steps for implementation are outlined. (Author)