Educating beyond moral fundamentalism

Moral fundamentalism is the habit of acting as though one has access to the exclusively right way to diagnose problems, along with the single approvable practical solution to any particular problem. This approach causes us to oversimplify situations and take refuge in dogmatic absolute.

Steve will discuss how, exacerbated by social media silos, moral fundamentalism makes the worst of native impulses toward social bonding and toward antagonism.

Drawing from John Dewey’s pluralistic and pragmatic approach to philosophical questions, he will clarify and illustrates the promises and challenges of democratic decision-making in societies struggling to grow beyond moral fundamentalism.

This event will be particularly useful for researchers, policymakers and teachers who are interested in John Dewey, moral theories in education and moral fundamentalism.

Please note this is a hybrid event and can be joined either in-person or online. To attend online, please email Yuxin Su: stnvysu@ucl.ac.uk.

PESGB seminar series

This event is part of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain (PESGB) seminar series. PESGB is a learned society that promotes the study, teaching and application of philosophy of education. Its London Branch hosts seminars every Wednesday in conjunction with the Centre for Philosophy of Education. These seminars are led by national and international scholars in the field, covering a wide range of issues of educational and philosophical concern.

All are welcome to attend.

Related links

• Recommended reading: What’s the matter with moral fundamentalism?
• Department of Education, Practice and Society
• Centre for Philosophy of Education

Image

Paula Schmidt via Pexels.