The way of openness: Moral Sphere Theory, education, ethics, and classroom management

Abstract

Noting the challenges of radical pluralism and uncertainty to ethics and education, the author describes, then explores Moral Sphere Theory (MST) developed by the philosopher Robert Kane and in relationship to insights drawn from American pragmatism. The argument is that MST offers fresh ways for thinking about education and the profound obligation of educators to support and sustain worthy forms of life.

Keywords:

• Moral Sphere Theory
• moral education
• ethics and teaching
• deliberation
• classroom management and discipline
• democratic education

Acknowledgments

The author thanks Professor Robert Kane of the University of Texas and Humanities Dean John Rosenberg of Brigham Young University for helpful feedback on this piece. For those interested in knowing more about MST, in addition to the books noted, the Teaching Company has produced a lecture series by Dr Kane, ‘The Quest for Meaning: Value, Ethics, and the Modern Experience’. A lecture is available online (the Forum Network, 17 April, 2007).