Rethinking Moral Education: Unpacking Its Foundations and Relevance

The general education course Ethics is required of all higher education students in the Philippines. Envisioned as a course that explores the principles of ethical behavior in modern society at various levels of existence, the general education course Ethics aims to expose students to the intricacies of morality and equip them with skills and knowledge to make informed moral decisions by employing moral frameworks in analyzing and resolving moral dilemmas. Recently, however, education policymakers and government legislators in the Philippines have identified the course as one of the redundant ones that may be eradicated to shorten formal education in the country. This paper revisits the long history of moral education. It attempts to unpack its rich tradition, not just in the Philippines but across the globe, as an essential aspect of both basic and higher education. By employing document analysis, conceptual analysis, and philosophical research, the paper aims to solidify the place of moral education in any curriculum by pointing out that any educational endeavor should always have a place and space for moral education as ultimately, education is a process of transforming and making individuals better human beings, the core thrust of any moral education framework. The paper will also argue, by presenting data across time and space, that moral education has always been a crucial inclusion in higher education because of the benefits it offers in any society that continues to put its trust not just in a productive, but ultimately, a moral citizenry.