Two in One: On the Differences Between Professional Ethos and Professional Morality

• In Event: Moral Development and Education SIG Business Meeting

Abstract

The concepts of professional ethos and professional morality are compared and contrasted. The first refers to a supererogatory engagement towards a person and his/her development; the second towards the compulsory consideration of the results of a professional action. Research on negative moral knowledge (Harteis & Frost, 2012; Oser & Spychiger, 2005) trying to clarify the two concepts will be presented. Results may also be applied to teacher training, where trainees should learn that to do the “correct” behavior may not be the most nurturing behavior. A continuation of the so-called realistic procedural discourse ethic (Oser, 1998) is also presented here.

Author

• Fritz K. Oser, University of Fribourg