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Versión Completa. ¿Para qué sirve la ética? Adela Cortina, filósofa

Aprendemos Juntos 2030・2 minutes read

Adela Cortina argues that ethics is essential in education, asserting that character is built through decision-making influenced by dialogue, and emphasizes the need for parents and educators to exemplify ethical values for children. She advocates for a comprehensive ethical curriculum that fosters cooperation, compassion, and critical thinking, addressing current societal challenges like aporophobia and discrimination through open discussions and a focus on shared values.

Insights

  • Adela Cortina emphasizes that ethics is not just a subjective concept but is developed through dialogue and shared experiences, meaning that ethical education requires open discussions about values in schools and families to foster a collective understanding of right and wrong.
  • Cortina advocates for the inclusion of ethics as a core subject in education, similar to mathematics and language, arguing that it is essential for teaching students about humanity, shared values, and the importance of virtues like freedom, equality, and solidarity, which should be actively practiced in school environments.
  • The concept of "aporophobia," or the rejection of the poor, is highlighted as a significant societal issue that education must address, encouraging students to reflect on their biases and understand the complexities of societal problems, such as discrimination against marginalized groups, to cultivate a more inclusive and respectful society.

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Recent questions

  • What is the definition of ethics?

    Ethics is the study of moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. It involves understanding what is right and wrong, and how individuals should act in various situations. Ethics is not just about personal beliefs; it is also about the collective understanding developed through dialogue and interaction with others. This intersubjective nature of ethics means that it is shaped by societal norms and values, making it essential for fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. In essence, ethics guides individuals in making decisions that align with moral values, promoting actions that contribute to the well-being of themselves and others.

  • How can I teach my child about values?

    Teaching children about values involves a combination of direct instruction and modeling behavior. Parents and educators should prioritize discussions about key values such as freedom, equality, and respect, integrating these concepts into everyday conversations. It is crucial to create an environment where children can observe these values in action, as they learn significantly from the examples set by adults. Engaging children in philosophical discussions and real-life scenarios can help them reflect on these values and understand their importance. Additionally, fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue allows children to express their thoughts and feelings, encouraging them to develop their moral reasoning and empathy towards others.

  • Why is ethical education important?

    Ethical education is vital because it lays the foundation for developing moral character and responsible citizenship. It equips students with the tools to navigate complex social issues and make informed decisions that reflect shared values. By prioritizing ethics in education, schools can help students understand the significance of cooperation, compassion, and respect for diversity. This education fosters critical thinking and encourages students to engage with challenging topics, preparing them to contribute positively to society. Moreover, ethical education promotes a culture of trust and inclusivity, essential for building democratic societies where individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their background.

  • What are the key values for education?

    Key values for education include freedom, equality, solidarity, and mutual respect. These values should be openly discussed and practiced within educational settings to create a supportive and inclusive environment. Freedom is understood as the ability to act independently while respecting others, emphasizing that true freedom considers the impact of one's actions on the community. Equality, though often unpracticed, is fundamental for ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and fairness. Solidarity encourages students to support one another and work together for the common good. By embedding these values into the curriculum and school culture, educators can help students develop a strong moral compass and a sense of responsibility towards their peers and society.

  • How can schools address discrimination?

    Schools can address discrimination by fostering an environment of active respect and inclusivity. This involves implementing educational programs that promote understanding and appreciation of diversity, encouraging students to learn from one another's differences. Schools should also provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions about discrimination and its impacts, helping them to recognize and challenge their biases. By creating micro-societies within the school, where values like respect and equality are practiced, educators can model appropriate behaviors and responses to discrimination. Additionally, addressing real-life issues, such as bullying and xenophobia, through open dialogue and critical thinking can empower students to become advocates for change, promoting a more equitable and compassionate society.

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Summary

00:00

Ethics Education for a Responsible Future

  • Adela Cortina, a professor emeritus of Ethics and Political Philosophy at the University of Valencia, emphasizes the importance of ethics in education, highlighting her books, including "What is ethics really for?" and "Aporophobia, the rejection of the poor."
  • Cortina defines ethics as the process of building character, which is essential for children, individuals, and organizations, stating that character is shaped by decisions made throughout life, influenced by natural temperament.
  • She explains that ethics involves forging predispositions towards virtuous actions, such as acting justly and prudently, which are crucial for achieving happiness and living a fulfilling life.
  • Cortina argues against the notion that ethics is purely subjective, asserting that it is intersubjective and developed through dialogue among individuals, leading to a collective understanding of right and wrong.
  • She stresses the necessity for parents and educators to prioritize ethical education, noting that if adults do not value ethics, the education system will fail to instill these principles in children.
  • The conversation highlights the importance of consistency between what adults say and do, as children learn from the examples set by their parents and teachers, making exemplarity a key component of ethical education.
  • Cortina points out that schools play a vital role in teaching ethics, especially when family values may not align with societal expectations, and emphasizes the need for collaboration between families and schools.
  • She asserts that there is no such thing as a neutral school, as all educational environments inherently promote certain values, and advocates for openly discussing and teaching these values in schools.
  • The discussion includes the need for courage in addressing difficult topics, such as gender violence and war, in educational settings, promoting an education that fosters peace and ethical understanding.
  • Cortina concludes that ethical education must be intentional and transparent, encouraging educators to engage in discussions about values and ethics without fear, to prepare students for a morally responsible life.

14:58

Essential Ethics in Education for Humanity

  • An Ethics subject is essential in education, similar to subjects like Mathematics and Language, to teach students about humanity and shared values.
  • Key values identified for education include freedom, equality, solidarity, and mutual respect, which should be openly discussed and practiced in schools.
  • Freedom is defined as independence with respect for others, emphasizing that it is not merely about doing what one wants but considering the impact on others.
  • Equality is highlighted as a fundamental yet often unpracticed value, while solidarity is deemed essential for societal progress.
  • Active respect for differences among individuals is crucial, and schools should serve as micro-societies where these values can be practiced through real-life examples, such as addressing bullying.
  • Educational methods like philosophy for children and discussions about everyday situations can help students understand and reflect on values like equality and respect.
  • The importance of argumentation in ethical discussions is emphasized, suggesting that both educators and parents should provide well-reasoned arguments to support values like freedom and equality.
  • Emotional responses to ethical issues are common, but relying solely on emotions can lead to manipulation; thus, education should balance emotional understanding with rational argumentation.
  • The role of educators is critical; they must be convinced of the values they teach and be prepared to engage students in discussions that deepen their understanding of rules and their importance.
  • Embracing diversity in schools is presented as a challenge and an opportunity, with the need to foster active respect and learning from differences to combat discrimination and promote a richer, pluralistic society.

29:41

Enriching Education to Combat Aporophobia

  • The text discusses the importance of providing enrichment opportunities in schools to help students learn from diverse perspectives, particularly in the context of moral dilemmas involving immigration and employment.
  • It highlights a scenario where immigrants are perceived to take jobs from local inhabitants, emphasizing the need to educate students about the falsehood of such claims, which are often labeled as "fake news."
  • The author stresses the importance of teaching children to detect lies and not to accept harmful narratives that can lead to hate, advocating for ethical education that prioritizes respect for all individuals.
  • A clear distinction is made between respecting people and their opinions, asserting that not all opinions are worthy of respect, particularly those that promote intolerance or discrimination.
  • The text argues that societal issues like unemployment should not be blamed on immigrants, but rather understood as complex problems requiring cooperative solutions, including education and social welfare measures.
  • The concept of "aporophobia," defined as the rejection of the poor, is introduced, highlighting its significance in understanding societal attitudes towards both immigrants and the impoverished.
  • The author notes that the term "aporophobia" was created to address the universal phenomenon of rejecting the poor, which has been recognized and included in the Dictionary of the Royal Academy since 2017.
  • It is explained that the rejection of the poor is rooted in human evolutionary behavior, where individuals tend to associate with those similar to themselves, leading to xenophobia and discrimination against those perceived as different or less valuable.
  • The text emphasizes the reciprocal nature of human relationships, where individuals expect to give and receive value, and how this expectation contributes to the rejection of those who seem unable to offer anything in return, such as the poor or immigrants.
  • The author concludes that understanding and naming phenomena like aporophobia is crucial for recognizing and addressing societal issues related to poverty and discrimination, advocating for a more inclusive and respectful society.

43:53

Transforming Education to Combat Aporophobia

  • The brain's plasticity is a crucial aspect of education, allowing for change in character, tendencies, and predispositions, which is essential for addressing societal issues like aporophobia, the fear or rejection of the poor or marginalized.
  • Aporophobia undermines human dignity and democracy, as a truly democratic society must be inclusive; however, many societies exhibit exclusionary behaviors towards marginalized groups, as noted by young people from various countries recognizing their own biases.
  • Education plays a vital role in raising awareness about aporophobia, encouraging students to reflect on their own exclusionary attitudes towards others, including those who are homeless or less fortunate.
  • Addressing inequalities in the 21st century is imperative, and educational institutions must prioritize subjects like Ethics and Philosophy, which are often undervalued or moved around in the curriculum, despite their importance in fostering critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
  • It is suggested that Ethics should be a compulsory subject in secondary education, alongside Philosophy and History of Philosophy, to provide students with a foundational understanding of human rights, civic ethics, and moral reasoning.
  • The current educational system often overwhelms students with excessive subjects, with some students facing up to 13 subjects in compulsory secondary education, highlighting the need for a more focused and manageable curriculum.
  • The integration of humanities and technosciences is essential, as students must learn to navigate a techno-scientific world while also developing strong reading and writing skills, ensuring a well-rounded education.
  • Trust is identified as a fundamental component of ethical societies, where ethical behavior can lead to significant savings in costs and human suffering, exemplified by the Tribunal de les Aigües in Valencia, which operates on trust without formal records.
  • The philosophical discussion surrounding ethics emphasizes that true justice is not merely about reputation but about genuine moral character, as illustrated by the allegory of the Ring of Gyges, which questions the nature of righteousness when one is not observed.
  • Education should focus on fostering cooperation over conflict, as human beings are inherently relational, and teaching students to work together is more beneficial than promoting individualistic or competitive behaviors.

58:57

Fostering Compassionate Education for Community Engagement

  • Education should focus on fostering cooperation and compassion among children, emphasizing the importance of teaching them to engage with others and contribute positively to their communities. This involves not only understanding others' suffering but also committing to alleviating it, which is essential for creating truly democratic and pluralistic societies in the 21st century.
  • The conversation highlights the necessity of integrating compassion into both political and public life, ensuring that it transcends private spheres. The collaboration between mathematicians and philosophers exemplifies the essential union of sciences and humanities, reinforcing the idea that both fields must work together to address key ethical issues and promote a more compassionate society.
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