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Chapter 3 - Neo-Aristotelianism and Moral Education

from Part I - Historical Insights for Contemporary Moral Education

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2023

By
Mark E. Jonas
Edited by
Douglas W. Yacek ,
Mark E. Jonas  and
Kevin H. Gary
Douglas W. Yacek
Affiliation:
Universität Dortmund
Mark E. Jonas
Affiliation:
Wheaton College, Illinois
Kevin H. Gary
Affiliation:
Valparaiso University, Indiana
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Summary

In this chapter, I outline Aristotle’s theory of moral education and the central role friendships can play in the cultivation of virtue in students. I pay special attention to what are referred to as friendships of virtue, or perfect friendships, or character friendships. I examine the necessary connection Aristotle sees between virtue and a flourishing life, as well as how Aristotle believes virtue is developed in human beings. Then, I discuss the way friendships can contribute to the virtue-formation process. Finally, after examining Aristotle’s theory of friendship I discuss the implications of his theory for contemporary educational settings, and I make a case for how educators might encourage moral growth in their students by helping them develop the right kinds of friends.

Keywords

Aristotlemoral educationfriendshiphabituationvirtueepiphanies
Type
Chapter
Information
Moral Education in the 21st Century , pp. 25 - 48
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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