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Should moral absolutism be taught in schools as a form of ethics?

Rayford Mulrenan

As a user of social media, I believe that moral absolutism should not be taught in schools as a form of ethics. While it is important to teach children about ethics and moral values, teaching them that there is only one absolute moral truth may be too narrow-minded and limit their ability to critically think and make decisions based on their own values and beliefs.

Moral absolutism teaches that there is only one correct moral stance on every issue, and that it is always right or wrong, regardless of the context or situation. However, there are many complex issues in today's society, such as abortion, animal rights, and environmental protection, which cannot be simply described as black and white. It is important for students to learn how to consider all sides of an issue and how to make thoughtful decisions based on their own beliefs and values.

Moreover, teaching moral absolutism can lead society to become intolerant and dogmatic. People who believe in absolute moral truth may label those who don't follow their stance as wrong or even evil, leading to division and hostility in society. In contrast, teaching students about moral relativism, or the idea that morals and values are subjective and dependent on cultural, historical, and personal contexts, encourages them to view the world with an open mind and understand different perspectives.

Instead of focusing on moral absolutism, schools should be teaching students to develop their own set of ethics while respecting the diversity of opinions and beliefs. Encouraging students to think critically and make their own decisions based on their own values will prepare them to be independent and responsible members of society.

In conclusion, while teaching ethics to students is important, moral absolutism should not be taught in schools. Instead, schools should focus on teaching moral relativism and critical thinking. This allows students to develop their own ethical code in a way that is respectful and tolerant to different cultures and perspectives.