Reclaiming Norms Through Moral Education: Deweyan Perspectives

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Transnational Philosophy, Democratic Practice, and Moral Education: Conceptual Perspectives on Dewey

Abstract

Across the globe, democracies are showing signs of fragility. Democratic backsliding is occurring in states with strong and weak democratic institutions. This underscores the importance of normative commitments that sustain democratic institutions. This paper takes up the question of norms—such as respect for pluralism, toleration, shared responsibility—as central to democracy. This paper argues that reversing this trend requires a renewed emphasis on democratic education that is explicitly grounded in moral commitments. We draw on John Dewey for insights on how to cultivate the moral values and ethical responsibilities necessary to sustain democracy.

Author

• Roudy Hildreth, University of Colorado - Boulder