Cultivating Virtue in the University

Historically, character education has been an important aim of many universities. Yet, while the last few decades have witnessed increased interest in character education among children and adolescents, much less attention has been given to the formation of university students in the midst of a crucial period of intellectual and ethical development. Cultivating Virtue in the University offers insights into why educating character might be an important aim for universities and how institutions might integrate it in an increasingly global and pluralistic age. The book will interest scholars, faculty, staff, and administrators considering whether they might want to integrate character into their institutions as well as public audiences eager to explore the purpose of the university at a time when the future of higher education is under intense debate.

Across the globe, educators are grappling with how best to prepare a new generation to engage the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. Along with knowledge and skills, many are now emphasizing the importance of character. Yet, while there has been a robust movement to educate character among children and adolescents, much less attention has been given to the ethical formation of college and university students. What is the role of colleges and universities in educating the character of students? Should universities even attempt to cultivate virtue? If so, how can they do so effectively in a pluralistic context? Cultivating Virtue in the University seeks to answer these questions by gathering diverse perspectives on character education within twenty-first century universities. With essays from some of the world''s leading scholars, this volume catalyzes a critical debate about the possibilities and limits of character education in the university while offering theoretical and practical perspectives on what such education could look like in increasingly global and intercultural institutions. By engaging insights from education, history, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and theology, the volume encourages scholars and educators to embrace the opportunities and challenges of cultivating virtue in the university.