A Dilemma in Moral Education in the Republic of Korea: The limitation of individualistic cognitive approaches

The purpose of this article is to identify a significant dilemma in current moral education in the Republic of Korea, which is influenced by rapid Americanisation, and to explore possible explanations for it. This dilemma is observed in the Korean language, family relationships and schooling in relation to tradition, as Korea is an ethnic nation sharing a common heritage. Various explanations are explored in terms of Korean historical, cultural and religious foundations. Korean people are confronting this current dilemma as beings displaying both Americanised and traditional characteristics, i.e. as moral beings with both individualistic cognition and traditional affect and volition. This coexistence has created potentially serious confusion in moral standards and choices. There are limitations in individualistic cognitive reasoning and perspectives to deal with this confusion. Considering this, it is necessary to attempt to design alternative frameworks not only to prescribe but also to identify an appropriate general moral education. This article attempts to provide a guideline for this.